Tourism in Somerset and Exmoor is set for a major boost with the release of The Salt Path next month.
Minehead, Porlock, Porlock Weir and stretches of the Exmoor coast all feature heavily in the film adaptation of Raynor Winn’s best-selling memoir which is released in UK cinemas on 30 May.
Minehead, Culvercliffe Walk, North Hill, Bossington Hill and Porlock Weir will all feature on screen after being filmed in 2023 with the help of Screen Somerset, Somerset Council’s film office.
The Salt Path tells the true story of Raynor and her husband Moth who embarked on an epic 630-mile walk along the South West Coast Path from Somerset to Dorset after learning that Moth was terminally ill and losing their home and livelihood.
The book has sold more than a million copies and the big screen version starring Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs as Raynor and Moth will showcase the path and the surrounding area to a national and international audience.
‘Screen tourism’ has been shown to be a big draw for visitors, with TV and film-related tourism bringing nearly £900m to the UK economy in 2019, according to the British Film Institute.
Councillor Mike Rigby, Lead Member for Economic Development, Planning and Assets, said: “Filming is great for the economy. Productions spend money locally when they are here and attract visitors to the places seen on screen.
“Having a film like this providing a shop window for our beautiful county to many new potential visitors is a fantastic opportunity for the area”.
Screen Somerset is working with the South West Coast Path Association (SWCPA), Exmoor National Park, Visit Exmoor and Visit Somerset to help the county make the most of the opportunity.
Visit Exmoor and SWPCA have online information about the Somerset and Exmoor locations featuring in the film, along with information about accommodation for all budgets along the route and beyond.
They are encouraging visitors to leave the car at home wherever possible and make use of public transport if they can.
First Bus’s popular EX1 service, previously known as the Exmoor Coaster, will run throughout the summer with the support of Somerset Council. The service starts on Monday 26 May until 30 August, with single journeys costing just £3.
The service links the National Park with the coastal towns of Minehead, Lynmouth, and Ilfracombe – on open top double-decker buses from 24 July. For more details visit https://www.firstbus.co.uk/somerset/south-west-coast-path.
Emma Thomasson, Chief Executive of Visit Exmoor, said: “The Salt Path highlights some of Exmoor’s most stunning locations, and the film’s release offers a unique opportunity to showcase our diverse coastal landscapes and nearby vibrant communities.
“This presents an exciting prospect to reach an even broader audience, guiding and inspiring visitors from the UK and abroad to plan visits all year round, especially during non-peak times. We can showcase the variety of walking and outdoor activities for all abilities and direct visitors to our wonderful accommodations, eateries, local attractions, and experiences, all while promoting a respectful and enriching experience of our beautiful environment.”
Julian Gray, Director of the South West Coast Path Association, said: “The Salt Path has already sold well over 1 million copies and is inspiring people to walk the South West Coast Path. As a film, it will now showcase the trail to new audiences and raise awareness nationally and internationally not only of the amazing beauty of the South West coast, but also the transformative power of walking.
“It’s expected that most visiting film sightseers will stay at local hotels and B&Bs and eat at local restaurants & pubs, so the film will be beneficial for the regional visitor economy. For the charity, I see the film as an opportunity to engage with people on how they can make a difference to protect and enhance this world class trail.
Enterprise and Communications Manager for Exmoor National Park Authority, Dan James, said: “It’s really exciting to have these beautiful Exmoor spots featured in the Salt Path. We’re delighted to be working with our partners to help maximise the associated tourism benefits of its release, whilst minimising impact on this very special landscape.
“We want to welcome new visitors to Exmoor and help them enjoy a safe, sustainable experience.”
Shot in the summer of 2023 and directed by Marianne Elliott, it stars Gillian Anderson – a household name thanks to the X-Files and Sex Education, and a long list of leading roles in drama and feature films – as Raynor; and Jason Isaacs – currently starring in The White Lotus and with a back catalogue that includes Harry Potter and Black Hawk Down – as Moth.
Screen Somerset is supported by the Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund and supports, encourages and celebrates filming in the county in recognition of the economic and wider benefits that film production can bring.
The Salt Path is released in UK cinema on Friday, May 30.
The Salt Path official synopsis: The Salt Path is the profound true story of husband and wife, Raynor and Moth Winn’s 630-mile trek along the beautiful but rugged Cornish, Devon and Dorset coastline. After being forcibly removed from their home, they make the desperate decision to walk in the hope that, in nature, they will find solace and a sense of acceptance. With depleted resources, only a tent and some essentials between them, every step along the path is a testament to their growing strength and determination. The Salt Path is a journey that is exhilarating, challenging, and liberating in equal measure. A portrayal of home, how it can be lost and rediscovered in the most unexpected ways.
