Magical locations filmed in The Salt Path

Following the couple as they trace the South West Coast Path, the film offers a captivating view of this well-travelled trail, from hidden coves and golden beaches to rugged cliffs punctuated by towering stacks.

Whether you seek blissful beaches lined with shimmering waters perfect for swimming or soul-sparking stretches of coast you can explore at your own pace, these filming locations for The Salt Path are the perfect starting point for your own salt-kissed adventure along the South West Coast Path.

What is the South West Coast Path

The South West Coast Path has been a place of refuge and reconnection for many since its official creation in 1978. Originally a path used by patrolling coastguards, this 630-mile trail has become one of the most famous walking routes in the UK, bringing in hikers and day-trippers from all over the country. 

The trail starts in Minehead in Somerset, following the coast around Devon and Cornwall, before finishing in Poole in Dorset, and can take anywhere between 30 days and 8 weeks to complete. Naturally, with such beautiful stretches of coastline and countless circular loops, you’ll find plenty of short walks to try.

Along the way, you’ll uncover a myriad of incredible sights and sites, from ocean-side castles overlooking glistening seas to iconic landmarks that have been hewn from a millennium of wind and waves.

Filming locations in Somerset

The start of their journey and the South West Coast Path, there’s no better place to begin our tour of The Salt Path’s filming locations than the rolling landscapes of Somerset. 

Minehead

Home to a golden beach and charming seafront promenade, Minehead promises a picturesque place to start your trek along the South West Coast Path. Ice cream shops and pubs pepper the shoreline, while the surrounding coast path promises a touch of wildness as you traverse rugged cliff trails past hidden coves.

For a spellbinding mix of country and coast, turn your walking boots inland and soak up the rolling beauty of Exmoor National Park. Soak up the glorious coastal views as you trace the tapestry of walking trails, keeping your eyes peeled for wild ponies and butterflies as you go.

Porlock

A little further along from Minehead, Porlock is one of the first moments of repose in The Salt Path, with Raynor and Moth pausing in the pretty village after a particularly testing start to their journey. Luckily, the ancient coastal village offers a special place to recharge, with the pebbly beach and patchwork backdrop of Exmoor crafting a secluded spot to reflect.

Surrounded by a medley of different landscapes, delve into magical marshland and moors, or seek the dappled shade of the nearby woodland. The shingle beaches along this stretch of coastline are a haven of tranquillity, inviting you to focus on the sounds of nature, from the gentle roll of the waves to the shift of pebbles underfoot as you trace the shoreline.

Filming locations in Devon

Devon’s two coastlines are as diverse as they are captivating, with a mesmerising mix of dramatic cliffs and serene sandy shores lining the land, providing a spectacular backdrop to The Salt Path’s salt-kissed scenes.

Valley of Rocks

There are few places along the South West Coast Path as wild and enchanting as the Valley of Rocks in North Devon, making it a natural setting for scenes in the beautiful The Salt Path adaptation. Grass-topped cliffs slope and climb at the coastal foot of Exmoor National Park, inviting you to weave between towering rock stacks as you take in the sprawling views across the coastline and sparkling seas beyond. The Valley of Rocks is home to a herd of free-roaming goats; a fascinating spectacle to watch as the nimble animals dart across the cliffs as easily as if it were an even path.

Follow the breathtaking circular route to Watersmeet for a heady mix of boulder-lined cliffs and dappled valleys. Passing through the twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth, take a moment to stroll along the historic streets, or board the fascinating water-powered railway for unmatched views as you slowly climb the steep ascent.

Clovelly

Famed for its steep, cobblestone street that rises above the historic harbour, Clovelly is instantly recognisable in The Salt Path. Marking a moment in Raynor and Moth’s journey when the couple’s next steps seem almost insurmountable, the picturesque village acts as a beautiful contrast to the uncertainty and struggles of the journey. After a moment of kindness from a stranger, the venture continues, allowing the couple to enjoy the magical setting they find themselves in. 

Clovelly is a deeply serene spot to explore, from the azure waters of the harbour to the flower-lined streets. Walk up to the beautiful gardens for a moment of mindfulness amidst the carefully curated borders, or visit Clovelly Donkeys to meet the adorable residents. There are also some lovely walks around the village, with the South West Coast Path hiding many secrets, from caves and cabins to a historic lime kiln.

Hartland Quay

Home to flower-topped cliffs and a lighthouse that has made many onscreen appearances, Hartland Quay and its surrounding coast were always going to feature in The Salt Path. The area is famed for its fascinating geographic features, with the folded cliffs reading like a geological time-lapse, showcasing the shift from mountain to rippling coastline.

Trace the beaches to see the undulating sandstone and grey shale formations, or stick to the South West Coast Path for a spectacular circular walk that weaves ancient woodland with clifftop trails to breathtaking effect.

Filming locations in Cornwall

The southwestern tip of the South West Coast Path, Cornwall’s varying coastal landscapes promise a spellbinding setting for The Salt Path’s central scenes, from bustling harbours to wild beaches kissed by the Atlantic.

Port Quin

Promising a captivating mix of carved cliffs and turquoise waters, Port Quin invites you to practice the art of Blue Mind therapy in true Cornish style, just like Raynor and Moth in The Salt Path. Sheltered by the rocky headlands, the pretty inlet is paradise on Earth for wild swimmers and seekers of calm. 

Take to the still waters on a paddleboard or kayak to explore this beautiful coastline by sea, or walk the coast path to Doyden Point for uninterrupted views across Pentire Headland and The Rumps.

Padstow

One of Cornwall’s most beautiful harbours, Padstow has made a name for itself as a foodie haven, with a mouthwatering mix of waterside restaurants and cafés lining the colourful dock. Follow in the footsteps of Raynor and Moth and enjoy a traditional plate of fish and chips overlooking the water, watching the fishing boats amble in and out of the harbour, carrying the day’s catch.

With the Camel Estuary on its doorstep, Padstow is perfectly placed to explore this quiet corner of Cornwall. Walk along the coast path to discover peaceful coves that tell tales of mermaids, or hire a bike and travel along the Camel Trail for some mindful movement in a spectacular setting.

Newquay

With the Atlantic swells providing a near-constant thrum of waves against the shore, Newquay and its surrounding sandy beaches are a mecca for surfers and beachgoers. Visit Fistral Beach for rolling waves and a bustling atmosphere, or find one of the nearby coves for your own slice of Cornish paradise.

North-west-facing, the coast around Newquay is renowned for its dramatic sunsets, which paint the skies in a wash of rose golds and rich reds. Pack a picnic full of local delights, and sink into the sand for a soul-sparking evening watching the sun slowly dip beneath the horizon as the salt-kissed air fills your lungs.

Holywell Bay

Filling our screens with Cornish wilderness once more, Holywell Bay never fails to impress with its golden sands, rugged cliffs, and tufted dunes. Easily spotted in The Salt Path film thanks to the iconic rocks that rise from the shimmering seas, it’s a magical place to unwind with sand between your toes. 

The beach welcomes dogs throughout the year, inviting you and your hound to bask in the wind-hewn landscapes as you stroll along the powdery sands, while the surrounding coast path promises dramatic backdrops and panoramic views from granite headlands to dipping coves.

Rame Head

Home to rare birdlife and unforgettable views, Rame Head marks the halfway point for both the South West Coast Path and Raynor and Moth’s salt-kissed odyssey. In both the book and the film, the pair take refuge in the sheltered embrace of the headland, enjoying a week of calm amidst the area’s sandy scenes.

Peppered with historic buildings, the Rame Head peninsula invites you to explore this peaceful corner at your own pace. Enjoy refreshing dips in the azure waters, or pause on the clifftops for a blissful picnic overlooking the sparkling coastline.

Looking to explore the South West Coast Path yourself? Explore our heavenly collection of hideaways in Somerset, Devon, Cornwall, and Dorset and embark on your own salt-kissed adventure by the sea.