Controversy has cast a shadow over the upcoming Dulverton Exmoor Literary Festival after author Raynor Winn pulled out following scrutiny of her bestselling memoir, The Salt Path. The book, which details a 630-mile trek along the South West Coast Path with Winn’s terminally ill husband after they lost their home, is now at the center of a debate about the accuracy of its key claims.
The withdrawal follows an investigative exposé by journalist Chloe Hadjimatheou, published in The Observer on July 6. Hadjimatheou’s report challenges elements of Winn’s timeline, events, and financial background, prompting Winn to cancel all appearances in 2025, including her headline slot at the festival.
Chloe Hadjimatheou will still attend the festival to discuss her investigation and provide further insight.
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Scheduled from November 14 to November 17, the Dulverton Exmoor Literary Festival moves forward with a rich and varied program. Highlights include a discussion on Margaret Thatcher featuring Iain Dale and Jonathan Dimbleby, an exploration of Prince Andrew’s royal controversies by Andrew Lownie, and a reflective session on Hiroshima with Iain MacGregor and Joshua Levine.
Attendees can also enjoy conversations with bestselling author Ruth Hogan and her agent, actress Carol Drinkwater in dialogue with writers Veronica Henry and Kate Lord Brown, along with crime fiction specialists Hannah Richell, Amy McCulloch, and Sarah Pearse. Music lovers will appreciate Petroc Trelawny’s session on Cornwall’s cultural heritage, accompanied by violinist Tamsin Waley-Cohen.
Additional offerings include a literary lunch hosted by columnist and MasterChef judge William Sitwell at Tarr Farm Inn, and unique sessions on the Red Dress Project, Exmoor ponies, the Two Moors Festival, and the economics of profitable farming. The festival will also showcase eight local writers and its first ever canine author—a dog named Moleskine.
Festival Director Ali Pegrum expressed enthusiasm for the event’s continued success: “We are excited to welcome an extraordinary range of talented writers to our moorland town, bringing a much-requested literary experience to Exmoor. We extend our deepest gratitude to the local businesses and community members whose support keeps the festival thriving for its fourth consecutive year.”
A new dedicated Festival Schools Day on November 17 will feature former Children’s Laureate Lauren Child, creator of Charlie & Lola and Clarice Bean, who will engage with schoolchildren in a special session. Families can also enjoy free ‘Story Corner’ readings at the Bridge Inn on Saturday and Sunday mornings, complete with coffee and pastries for parents. The children’s writing competition, open to under-13s, invites stories themed My Exmoor.
Tickets and the full program are available exclusively online via the Visit Dulverton website at www.visitdulverton.com. Events will take place across multiple venues including the Town Hall, All Saints Church, Dulverton Heritage Centre, Library, and The Bridge Inn.