The Salt Path

The inspiring true story of hope and the healing powers of the natural world, told through the brave and impulsive decision of Raynor Winn and her husband to walk the 630 miles of the South West Coast Path.

Format: Paperback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2019
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

The 80-week Sunday Times bestseller that has inspired over half a million readers

In the wake of a devastating double blow, Raynor finds herself facing a daunting crossroads. Learning that her husband of 32 years, Moth, is battling a terminal illness would have been challenging enough. But life had another cruel twist in store for them. Their beloved home was forcibly taken from them, and with it, their means of livelihood evaporated like a wisp of smoke. Left with nothing but the weight of despair and precious little time, they embarked on an audacious and impulsive quest—to traverse the 630 miles of the windswept South West Coast Path, stretching from Somerset to Dorset, snaking through the picturesque landscapes of Devon and Cornwall.

With nothing more than the essentials for survival strapped to their backs, they cast aside the comforts of civilization to live as nomads in the ancient, weather-beaten terrain—where the timeless elements of cliffs, sea, and sky seemed to hold secrets of their own. Step by arduous step, encounter by serendipitous encounter, and trial by unforgiving trial, their pilgrimage transformed into a remarkable odyssey.

"The Salt Path" is an unflinchingly candid chronicle of Raynor and Moth's voyage, one that reaffirms the indomitable spirit of life even in the face of heart-wrenching grief. It's a testament to the healing prowess of the natural world, which serves as both their crucible and sanctuary. Above all, it's a poignant portrayal of the concept of home—how it can be cruelly wrested away, painstakingly reconstructed, and serendipitously rediscovered in the most unlikely and breathtaking ways. In the crucible of their journey, Raynor and Moth find not only solace but also a profound revelation about the essence of what it truly means to belong.

Weight: 206g
Dimension: 128 x 196 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781405937184

About author Raynor Winn

Raynor Winn, a preeminent literary figure, stands as the acclaimed author behind the resounding successes of "The Salt Path" and "The Wild Silence." Her remarkable journey into the literary realm reached its zenith when "The Salt Path" triumphed as the recipient of the inaugural RSL Christopher Bland Prize. This masterful work further garnered the distinguished honor of being shortlisted for the esteemed 2018 Costa Biography Award and the illustrious Wainwright Golden Beer Book Prize.

In her unceasing pursuit of excellence, Raynor Winn continued to leave an indelible mark on the literary landscape. In 2021, her magnum opus, "The Wild Silence," earned its rightful place on the shortlist for the coveted Wainwright Prize for Nature Writing. Her literary prowess, undeniably intertwined with her passion for the natural world, homelessness, and humanity's profound connection to the land, makes her a formidable voice in contemporary literature.

Raynor Winn resides in the picturesque landscapes of Cornwall, alongside her devoted husband, Moth. Her enduring dedication to long-distance walking and her unwavering commitment to shedding light on critical issues are a testament to her resolute spirit and enduring impact on both the literary and societal fronts.