The Salt Path: A Memoir Paperback – March 5, 2019

This memoir snuck up on me. It’s not flashy or dramatic in the way some personal stories are, but that’s exactly what makes it so powerful. The author and her husband lose everything—home, livelihood, health—and rather than fall apart, they set out to walk the entire South West Coast Path of England, living out of their packs.What unfolds is part travelogue, part love story, part reflection on grief, aging, and the wildness of nature. The writing is lyrical without being flowery, and there’s a raw honesty to it that feels both grounding and uplifting. It’s not just about walking the coast—it’s about survival, reinvention, and learning to find beauty and freedom even in loss.If you’ve ever felt untethered, or wondered what it would be like to walk away from everything, this book will stay with you. A quiet triumph of resilience.

I considered putting this book down several times but I typically finish a book if reading for a book club. Then I slowly noticed hidden gems of wisdom and beautiful writing that I didn’t notice at the beginning, it is worth it

Usually I read a book before seeing the movie. It’s a family rule but 3 chapters in , we were near the path and the film was showing locally so we watched, and enjoyed. The following day, the guardian posted their skeptical article. It took me a bit to get back into it, but truth or fiction, it’s a beautiful story - well told which brings many things into perspective and gives some hope in this all too uncertain world.

Winn did a great job documenting her story, written with grit, wit and insight. She is a keen observer of people. Looking forward to the film.

Interesting story line.

This story pulls you along with it. I liked the characters a lot, and her storytelling gives you a complete picture of everything they experience and see.

I bought this book in 2021, but only picked it up a couple of days ago to finally read. Part of me is sorry it took me so long to begin reading it, the other part of me is glad that I waited so I can enjoy it now. I love these kinds of books, but there is something about this one that tugs at my heartstrings. Raynor Winn’s writing flows along easily, making the book very readable— some of it sad, some of it maddening, and some of it funnier than heck. While I was reading, I would look on line for some of the places she describes and view photographs. It helped me to better picture their adventure in my head. I even looked up Robert Stephen Hawker and read about that eccentric man. I have bought the sequels to this book and I am excited to read them as well. I cannot recommend this book more enthusiastically!

The circumstances were so difficult, it was almost impossible to imagine what would happen. I read the book in two sittings.Thank you for sharing this beautiful book!