North Devon and Exmoor coast path shines in new movie The Salt Path

Some of North Devon’s most stunning coastal scenery cared for by the National Trust is set to feature in new movie The Salt Path when it is released at the end of May.

Little Hangman and Holdstone Down near Combe Martin both feature in the new film starring Gillian Anderson of X-Files fame as well as Jason Isaacs, which retells the true story of a couple who decided to ditch everything and walk the 630-mile South West Coast Path.

Above: Common heather, Bell heather and Western gorse lining the coastal path on the Great Hangman with the Little Hangman, Devon © National Trust Images/David Noton

In addition, North Devon moviegoers will likely recognise other familiar neighbouring locations including the craggy cliffs of North Cornwall and Hawker’s Hut at Morwenstow as well as Duckpool and Sandymere beaches near Bude plus Bossington and Minehead in Somerset.

Above: Little Hangman at West Exmoor, Devon. Credit: National Trust

The Salt Path, which tells the true story of Raynor Winn 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.

Above: Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs as Raynor and Moth Winn in The Salt Path. Credit: Steve Tanner/Black Bear

Around 295 miles (one third) of the path is cared for by the National Trust, working in partnership with the South West Coast Path Association and many of its locations appear in the film.

The book has sold more than a million copies and the big screen version is expected to showcase the path and the surrounding area to a national and international audience.

Above: The Salt Path follows Raynor and her terminally ill husband Moth as they embark on a trek of the entire South West Coast Path. Credit: BBC/Number 9 Films Salt Path Limited

The South West Coast Path is a very famous route with a natural and unforgiving rugged beauty, as film producer Elizabeth Karlsen explained:  “It was a really challenging shoot because we were carrying equipment down paths, shooting in remote locations, so all those aspects presented practical challenges.”

Marianne Elliot, film director added: “But the weather and the majestic natural South West landscape surrounding them played a very important role in their story.

“We always wanted to have nature as a character in its own right, but it’s quite difficult when that character never speaks, so we relied heavily on the visuals.”

Above: Hawker's Hut at Morwenstow, Cornwall ©National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

The National Trust has seen some huge productions filmed at locations it cares for, including Star War and Bridgerton – the trust says on average it hosts nine film shoots a month, from sci-fi blockbusters to period dramas.

People wishing to take part in their own coastal walking holiday are encouraged to visit either a recognised National Trust campsite or bothy, many of which are dotted along the coast right here in the South West.

Above: Gillian Anderson as Raynor Winn in The Salt Path. Credit: BBC/Number 9 Films Salt Path Limited