Salt Path movie set to boost tourism in the South West
The film's due to be released later this month.
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.
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.”
The Salt Path is released in UK cinema on Friday, May 30.