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The Salt Path (The Film)

(333 Posts)
TerriBull Tue 03-Jun-25 19:21:49

I think there have been quite a few discussions on GN about the book since its publication. We went to see the film this afternoon, mixed reviews, not an overwhelming 5 stars from some critics. I loved it, found it very affecting in the portrayal of the depth of Ray and Moth's relationship, a rock solid marriage facing insurmountable problems, losing their home, subsequently made homeless, related in flashbacks. Practically penniless bar the meagre weekly benefit they received drawn along the way, whilst they set off on what would seem an insane challenge given Moth's serious and rare illness. Set backs en route, not least of all the elements wreaking havoc on their flimsy tent whilst they undertake the daunting, but beautiful south west coastal walk, I love that part of the world one of the reasons that drew me to the book in the first place.. Fantastic acting particularly from Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs ultimately uplifting.

Allira Mon 07-Jul-25 22:24:58

On BBC News now!

MayBee70 Mon 07-Jul-25 22:29:39

Missed it…

Allira Mon 07-Jul-25 22:39:26

Nothing much, just reported that they are taking legal action about the highly misleading Observer article.

She said the book was "the true story of our journey".

Perhaps it was the story of the walk but other claims could be open to interpretation.
As HM Queen Elizabeth said "Recollectionx may vary".

MayBee70 Mon 07-Jul-25 22:47:33

She says it is the true story of their ‘spiritual’ journey, though. Which will be the basis of her argument I think. It’s all a bit sad really.

merlotgran Mon 07-Jul-25 22:53:27

Allira

^Taking audiences by storm, Saltlines is a prose and music collaboration between bestselling author Raynor Winn (The Salt Path) and The Gigspanner Big Band, which features some of the most celebrated names on the British folk scene – Peter Knight (Steeleye Span) Trio, John Spiers (Bellowhead), Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin (BBC Folk Awards Best Duo).^

Together they have created a compelling, mesmerising odyssey which explores the landscape, social history and traditions of the South West Coast Path.

She's certainly very plausible!

Thank you.

Allira Mon 07-Jul-25 23:03:52

^Life in Cornwall^:
Raynor and Moth live in Cornwall, near Fowey, where they were gifted a cider farm by a fan of "The Salt Path".

Lucky them!

MayBee70 Mon 07-Jul-25 23:08:32

Allira

^Life in Cornwall^:
Raynor and Moth live in Cornwall, near Fowey, where they were gifted a cider farm by a fan of "The Salt Path".

Lucky them!

I think that was featured in the Rick Steins Cornwall series.

OldFrill Tue 08-Jul-25 01:00:16

Wyllow3

eazybee

The point is, the walk along the south-west coastal path may have been true, but the book was based on the premise that this couple had been unjustly treated and that the husband was suffering a terminal illness which miraculously went into remission because of the healing properties of their walk.
There was admiration for their fortitude and sympathy for their plight.
That is the deception, and people do not like being conned.

No doubt there will be a drama-documentary some time in the future about Tim and Sally Walker and their machinations, like the one about the couple who faked the husband's death while he hid in the house.

Yes, I have only just come onto the thread, and was going to mention the walk and how they presented themselves - lovely scenery!

I find some of the stronger criticism, indeed, totally "dissing" them, unnecessary. People do what they think is best, and we are bound to have widely different views: I prefer to take a glass half full approach and forgive all but the worst, ie outright lies, or where others are harmed.

She is supposedly an embezzler, a thief, a liar - if that's true, and it seems highly likely, that empties my glass

Lallykins Tue 08-Jul-25 09:35:51

I have neither ead the book or seen the film, The breaking news to me was nothing. The woman who wrote the book ,is obviously a good writer, although a liar. Maybe if she had written it as a non-fiction story and said it was 'based on our lives' instead of saying it was fact, there wouldn't have been this much hoo har, and she'd maybe in the clear,
I presume there were doctors who came forth and gave statements to say her husband did actually have CBD? and also more to say hes well again?

PamQS Tue 08-Jul-25 11:03:18

This made me laugh, the chips found by a bin made me think of seagulls!

I read a very unsympathetic interview with Winn's previous employer, from whom she was found to have embezzled thousands of pounds (though I haven't heard of any court case about this). And I thought 'I probably wouldn't have much sympathy with these characters'. I wouldn't mind reading/seeing it now, though - as someone has pointed out, the scenery will be magnificent!

I just can't get my head round camping being an alternative to being seriously ill in hospital! The times I've been in hospital, I could no more have slept in a tent than fly!

Allira Tue 08-Jul-25 11:13:52

I read a very unsympathetic interview with Winn's previous employer, from whom she was found to have embezzled thousands of pounds (though I haven't heard of any court case about this).

There was no court case because, allegedly, she was arrested and interviewed then allowed home for the night prior to another interview the next day. They changed their names and disappeared. That is according to the Observer. The Walkers (Winns) dispute this.

PamQS Tue 08-Jul-25 11:18:39

Good heavens! If I had a spare cider farm, I wouldn't be giving it to them!

PamQS Tue 08-Jul-25 11:20:32

So they were basically on the run? Interesting reaction to being questioned by the police!

Magenta8 Tue 08-Jul-25 12:07:20

It looks to me as though there is plenty of irrefutable evidence.

I gather "Raynor" spins a good yarn and that her books are very readable. This puts me in mind of Jeffrey Archer another rogue who was very accomplished at taking people in and who made a successful career out of writing popular books.

Allira Tue 08-Jul-25 12:30:21

But his books are fiction!

Emilymaria Tue 08-Jul-25 12:49:54

Er - Primrose58 - think you have limited understanding of the availability of council accommodation. Also, I doubt that you’ve read the book - or you would have more sympathy. In the light of your comments, I’m sure Raynor Winn would not mind me quoting these sentences from her book: “The council could put us on their waiting list if we chose that, but we were low priority and the only accommodation they could offer at that moment was a room in a bed and breakfast that housed mainly those with drug and alcohol problems”. And I would say ‘Walk a mile in another woman’s shoes’.

icanhandthemback Tue 08-Jul-25 12:53:11

Emilymaria, you really have to read the thread. This couple wouldn't have wanted a council house; they were on the run!

LucyAnna5 Tue 08-Jul-25 12:53:17

Emilymaria

Er - Primrose58 - think you have limited understanding of the availability of council accommodation. Also, I doubt that you’ve read the book - or you would have more sympathy. In the light of your comments, I’m sure Raynor Winn would not mind me quoting these sentences from her book: “The council could put us on their waiting list if we chose that, but we were low priority and the only accommodation they could offer at that moment was a room in a bed and breakfast that housed mainly those with drug and alcohol problems”. And I would say ‘Walk a mile in another woman’s shoes’.

But they did own a (rundown) house in S France!

Magenta8 Tue 08-Jul-25 12:56:03

Allira

But his books are fiction!

Yes Allira but if you read the biographical blurb in early editions you would see that a great deal of it had to be revised following facts that came to light after publication.

Emilymaria Tue 08-Jul-25 13:04:32

I take it all back - too gullible, me. Just listening to James O’Brien’s programme on Sally Walker, the real ‘Raynor Winn’. What a crock. Apologies Primrose58 - hear you LucyAnna5. I will pay more attention in future!

Cold Tue 08-Jul-25 13:31:04

"We changed out names, left no forwarding address and went on the run from multiple creditors after stealing £65,000 from my employer then tricked and stole goods and services along the coastal path and decided to write a book about it" ... doesn't really have the same ring as a "spiritual journey". hmm

J52 Tue 08-Jul-25 13:34:12

Emilymaria

Er - Primrose58 - think you have limited understanding of the availability of council accommodation. Also, I doubt that you’ve read the book - or you would have more sympathy. In the light of your comments, I’m sure Raynor Winn would not mind me quoting these sentences from her book: “The council could put us on their waiting list if we chose that, but we were low priority and the only accommodation they could offer at that moment was a room in a bed and breakfast that housed mainly those with drug and alcohol problems”. And I would say ‘Walk a mile in another woman’s shoes’.

And of course that quote is true???
I think it’s generally accepted that two grown adults would not be put in council accommodation, but they knew they were likely to lose their home so they could have made alternative arrangements. Would that not be what most of us on GN would do, rather than do nothing and wait for the bailiffs? In the book and the film they are portrayed as doing just that.
In the book they also say they have a van, which they could have used. Not ideal perhaps, but they certainly were not destitute.

Magenta8 Tue 08-Jul-25 13:54:39

Cold

"We changed out names, left no forwarding address and went on the run from multiple creditors after stealing £65,000 from my employer then tricked and stole goods and services along the coastal path and decided to write a book about it" ... doesn't really have the same ring as a "spiritual journey". hmm

You have summed up the situation perfectly. There is also the possibility that they lied about "Moth's" illness.

I have little else to add beyond the hope that are made to face justice as soon as possible.

Iam64 Tue 08-Jul-25 15:06:30

Good summary there Cold. As Magenta and others have suggested, it seems possible/probable they lied about Moth’s illness
If she’d written a fiction based around their life experiences it might not have resulted in huge publicity, films and book sales.
. I wonder if the really did the walk? When my husband was given a terminal diagnosis, it felt like being on a pilgrimage but the idea of him being cold and hungry would have been something I’d have done anything to protect him from

Allira Tue 08-Jul-25 15:09:18

Magenta8

Allira

But his books are fiction!

Yes Allira but if you read the biographical blurb in early editions you would see that a great deal of it had to be revised following facts that came to light after publication.

I've only ever read one of his years ago and probably didn't read the blurb at the beginning!