The Salt Path Filming Locations in Cornwall

It’s not long until the much-anticipated adaptation of The Salt Path hits cinemas around the UK (30 May 2025). But even with its profound storyline, with Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs heading up a stellar cast, we’re pretty sure that the wild beauty of the South West Coast Path will steal the show.

The adaption of Raynor Winn’s bestselling memoir follows her 630-mile hike around Cornwall, Devon and Somerset, after she and her husband Moth were displaced from their home. An incredible tale of resilience and hope, it’s set to inspire millions to step out into the wave-lashed scenery of Britain’s longest National Trail, seeking the transformative power of nature.

We were lucky enough to have Anderson and Isaacs filming the movie here in Padstow, and when you step out into the surrounding coastline, you’re bound to recognise plenty more locations from the film. Dip into the dramatic scenery from the big screen at these stunning Salt Path filming locations in Cornwall that are easy to visit while you’re on holiday in the Padstow area.

Padstow Harbour

The pretty harbour town we call home is a key filming location in The Salt Path, and Anderson and Isaacs caused quite a stir when they were spotted filming at the harbour. When Raynor Winn and her husband passed through Padstow on their monumental hike, they could hardly afford a Cornish pasty between them. But if you’re on holiday here, you can complement coast walks to wild promontories, collapsed sea caves and pearly coves, with platefuls of seasonal delights served in waterside inns and fine dining restaurants.

Stay nearby: Open your sash windows to harbour views and step straight out onto the South West Coast Path from Dew apartment.

Hawker’s Cove, near Padstow

Just a mile from Padstow Harbour, Hawker’s Cove is one of the closest locations you’ll recognise from the film. This white-sand cove is a peaceful spot to sit and reflect – much like Raynor did during her journey – or you might even brave a dip in the clear, shallow waters. It’s a gentle walk along the South West Coast Path to reach the cove, and as you approach, look out for the tall, jagged rocks that are visible in a memorable scene from the movie.

Stay nearby: Slip into beach life and the rhythm of the tides when you stay at The Old Lifeboat Station, next to the crystal-clear water at Hawker’s Cove.

Port Quin

Pausing on a picnic bench overlooking the craggy little cove of Port Quin, Anderson and Isaacs weren’t even halfway along the path that led Raynor and Moth to come to terms with being displaced from their home. Yet with the sun on their faces, the water twinkling below and the little fortress of Doyden Castle winking in the distance, this scene radiates with hope and healing. Whether you hike this wild stretch of the South West Coast Path, paddleboard through the sheltered inlet, or embrace the elements with a sea dip and sauna, Port Quin’s rugged beauty offers the same sense of renewal captured in the film.

Stay nearby: Just three miles along the South West Coast Path from Port Quin, warm up in the former fisherman’s cottage of Bark House in Port Isaac.

The Rumps, near Polzeath

If you’re up for an adventure on foot, The Rumps offers a rewarding coastal walk near Polzeath (about 30 minutes’ drive from Padstow). While the rugged terrain reflects some of the toughest moments in The Salt Path, the challenge is rewarded by spectacular views and sightings of seabirds, including puffins and razorbills that nest in the cliffs. Whether you start from the National Trust car park or walk from Polzeath, we recommend extending your walk to include nearby Pentire Point, an even quieter spot with stunning views back towards The Rumps.

Bedruthan Steps (Carnewas)

If you follow the South West Coast Path about 15 miles from Padstow Harbour, you’ll reach the towering sea stacks of Bedruthan Steps that feature in the backdrop of The Salt Path. Standing on the cliffs overlooking the crushed-shell beach from where the mighty rock giants rise, you can’t fail to be moved by the power of nature that’s at the heart of Raynor Winn’s epic story. If you don’t want to walk the 15 miles from Padstow, it’s an easy drive to the National Trust car park at Carnewas, or you can hop on the Atlantic Coaster bus from Padstow and enjoy the views from the top deck.

Stay nearby: From Moonrakers Apartment in the beach village of Mawgan Porth, it’s a short, steep stroll along the South West Coast Path to Bedruthan Steps, or you can hop on the Atlantic Coaster to other shooting locations nearby.

Fistral Beach, Newquay

You don’t need to ride the waves or join the bucket-and-spade brigade to make the most of the UK’s surfing capital. Newquay’s coastal scenery has lured walkers and holidaymakers since Victorian times, and it’s little wonder that its wave-lashed Fistral Beach is seen in the backdrop of The Salt Path. Just 20 minutes’ drive from Padstow, this creative beach town is a great spot for a day walk – whether you stroll the town’s beaches at low tide or venture further afield to Porth and Watergate Bay.

Holywell Bay, near Newquay

A 20-minute drive from Padstow (or 32 miles via the South West Coast Path) awaits one of the most recognisable beaches from The Salt Path. Framed by rolling dunes, sea caves and dramatic rock formations, Holywell Bay is a sublime spot for a toes-in-the-sand beach walk or longer stroll to surrounding coves. Having already starred in the BBC adaptation of Poldark and other films, it’s no stranger to stardom on the big screen, but let’s hope that Holywell retains its pristine beauty in the face of its ever-growing fame.

Rame Head, South Cornwall

Over 400 miles into their epic walk, when Raynor Winn and her husband Moth rounded the Rame Peninsula they were on their homeward stretch. But with no home to go back to, this wild, hawthorn-hemmed headland on the edge of the English Channel, epitomises the landscapes that had become the couple’s symbol of home, and of hope. Strike out to St Michael’s Chapel at the tip of the peninsula, to experience the transformative power of this wild territory steeped in a rich history of smuggling and seafaring.

Book a Holiday Cottage to Walk The Salt Path

Explore some of the key filming locations of The Salt Path from one of our coastal cottages in Padstow or holiday homes by the beach.

How to Plan Your Walk Along the South West Coast Path

The South West Coast Path is Britain’s longest National Trail and can be accessed from many points along its 630-mile route. If you’re walking the entire South West Coast Path, it’s 166 miles from its start point in Minehead, Somerset, to Padstow Harbour.

Whether you want to walk for a hours, days or weeks, it’s easy to plan your hike with the trip planner and distance calculator on the official South West Coast Path website. There are also many circular walks, as well as routes that link to public transport on the walks section.