The Cornish Salt Path
A trail through Time, Tides, and Transformation
There is something deeply humbling about tracing the coastline on foot, where every bend of the cliff path brings a new horizon and every gust of sea air seems to clear a little more of the mind. The Salt Path – made famous by Raynor Winn’s bestselling memoir – isn’t just a physical route along the South West Coast Path; it’s a story of endurance, healing, and connection to the wild. When Raynor and Moth lose their home, livelihood and sense of security, they choose a path few would dare to take – the rugged southwest coast path, stretching 630 miles along the wild edge of England. Equipped with only a tent, minimal supplies, and each other, they walked through grief, uncertainty, and physical hardship. To make matters worse, Moth had just been diagnosed with a terminal neurodegenerative illness. What began as a desperate escape became a powerful journey of healing, resilience, and reconnection with nature. The Salt Path is not just a story of survival, but a reminder that even when everything falls apart, the human spirit can still find its way home.
A Taste of The Salt Path
You don’t have to walk all 630 miles to feel the impact of the Salt Path. Even a day or two on the trail is enough to experience its magic. Grab your boots, fill your bottle, and leave your comfort zone behind. There’s no signal out here, no shops on standby – just raw coastline and the freedom to roam. Once the day’s walking is done, unwind in comfort by booking a stay in one of our luxury self-catering properties in St Ives, just a stone’s throw from the beaches – the perfect base for your coastal escape.
Cliffs & Courage
Tucked along the rugged coastline of Cornwall, the Salt Path from St Ives to Zennor offers one of the most breathtaking sections of the South West Coast Path: tough in places, wild in character, and full of moments that take your breath away. With sweeping views of the Atlantic, dramatic cliff edges, and the ever-changing hues of the sea, this trail is a haven for nature lovers. St Ives is often known for its art galleries, turquoise waters, and cobbled streets, but if you step beyond the postcard-perfect harbour, you’ll find a wilder side – where the coastal path snakes along dramatic cliffs, past ancient granite outcrops and open moorland that feels unchanged by time. Heading west from St Ives towards Zennor, the trail becomes more challenging, more remote – and more rewarding. The sea crashes against the rocks below, seabirds circle the blue skies and the wind carries the stories of the generations who walked this path before. It's easy to see why this landscape plays such a powerful role in Raynor's memoir, every step feels like a step into something deeper.
The path that heals
Raynor and Moth’s journey reminds us that walking – especially through hardship – can be a form of healing. The path won’t hand you answers, but it gives you the silence and space to ask the right questions. Out here, under Cornwall’s wide-open skies, you don’t need much – just your boots, a backpack, and a willingness to keep moving. Whether you’re drawn to The Salt Path for its story or its scenery, walking a piece of it – especially near St Ives – is an unforgettable experience. It’s wild, real, and full of quiet revelations. So, if you ever feel the pull of the horizon, follow it. Let the Salt Path show what you didn’t know you needed to find.
Book a stay with us at The Sail Lofts
Why not book a stay with us in one of our luxury self-catering properties in St Ives this summer and discover the magic of the Cornish coast like never before? Whether you’re retracing the footsteps of Raynor Winn or simply seeking a restorative escape, St Ives and its surrounding trails promise a summer of unforgettable moments.
Explore The Salt Path in St Ives this summer!
Paige x
