The Salt Path, by Raynor Winn
Some of life's most extraordinary journeys begin with a push, not a choice. In The Salt Path, Raynor Winn recounts the heart-wrenching yet ultimately uplifting true story of how she and her husband Moth found themselves on such a journey. Imagine losing your home, your livelihood, and then receiving a devastating terminal diagnosis for your spouse - all within days. This is exactly what happened to Raynor and Moth. Their response? To walk. Not just a stroll, but a grueling 630-mile trek along England's rugged South West Coast Path.
With barely a penny to their name, the couple's adventure is far from glamorous. Winn doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of their situation. She vividly describes nights spent huddled in a tent as rain lashes the cliffs, and the gnawing pain of constant hunger. In one poignant scene, they savor a shared bag of chips like it's a gourmet meal, aware of every salt crystal on their tongues.
But amidst the hardship, there's unexpected beauty. Winn's prose brings to life the wild coastline - the crash of waves, the cry of gulls, the dizzying cliffs. She captures the small kindnesses of strangers and fellow hikers, each one a lifeline when hope seems distant. Most compelling is the transformation we witness. As the miles pass, both Raynor and Moth discover reserves of strength they never knew existed. Moth's health, against all odds, seems to improve with each step. Raynor finds her voice as a writer, turning their misfortune into this powerful memoir.
The Salt Path is more than just a hiking tale. It's a raw, honest look at homelessness, resilience, and the healing power of nature. Winn's story reminds us that even when life strips everything away, the human spirit can find a way forward - one step at a time.
“It’s touched you, it’s written all over you: you’ve felt the hand of nature. It won’t ever leave you now; you’re salted. People fight the elements, the weather, especially here, but when it’s touched you, when you let it be, you’re never the same again. Good luck, wherever your path takes you.”
Interesting Facts & Links:
Raynor Winn is a bestselling British author and long-distance walker who writes about nature, homelessness, and wild camping. She lives in Cornwall with her husband Moth.
Read the 2021 review by The New York Times of The Wild Silence, the sequel to The Salt Path.
Learn more about how to explore The South West Coast Path on your own, and how you might support the charity that supports this National Trail. Or enjoy this article by novice hiker Alex Allen on The South West Coast Path, from The Times.
Those that like books about the power of walking, don’t miss our blog on the best travelogues on hiking.
We loved this book and listed The Salt Path as one of our top recommendations for those who love travel writing. Check out our top picks of the best of the best travel books to see more great reads like this.
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