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.
I’m supposed to be going to see the film on Thursday but I’m now having second thoughts.
Having read online news articles and this thread I don’t think I’ll enjoy it.
As somebody said upthread, it has similarities with Capt. Sir Tom Moore’s daughter.
Very frosty comment in the DT, via their lawyers:
" Today's Observer article is highly misleading. We are taking legal advice and won't be making any further comment at this time."
Umm.
Look out for all the book copies in charity shops any time soon.
eazybee
Very frosty comment in the DT, via their lawyers:
" Today's Observer article is highly misleading. We are taking legal advice and won't be making any further comment at this time."
Umm.
Look out for all the book copies in charity shops any time soon.
I suppose it was the only thing they can say under the circumstances.
The name Moth irritated me; not credible.They probably did not even do the walk and she stitched together a fantasy tale to make money.
Did anyone ever wonder why she came across as 'shy' when interviewed - now revealed as sly deceitful mendacity.
This couple will be subjected to having every aspect of their lives investigated. There may be books and movies made about them.
I found the comments from neurologists about short life expectancy for people with the diagnosis Moth had. About six years, he’s alive and seems well 18 years post diagnosis.
I read they have adult children. I expect journalists to knock their doors
What an unedifying mess
Most gransnetters seem to have sussed this out. Must admit I was a bit shocked that this couple aren’t what I first thought.
I read the two books by Chris Lewis who walked 19,000 miles around the coast of Britain.
He raised £500,000 for SSAFA.
He didn’t write as eloquently as Walker/Winn but he was brutally honest, I would highly recommend his two books.
I hope those who have castigated others on this thread will read the Observer’s investigation into this pair of scammers.
observer.co.uk/news/national/article/the-salt-path-whats-in-the-book-and-what-the-observer-has-found
A best selling book and a film!
How come it’s taken so long for the truth to come to light?
merlotgran
A best selling book and a film!
How come it’s taken so long for the truth to come to light?
And she’s touring with a folk band!!
www.theatresevern.co.uk/shows/whatson/gigspanner-big-band-raynor-winn-the-salt-path
Sago
I read the two books by Chris Lewis who walked 19,000 miles around the coast of Britain.
He raised £500,000 for SSAFA.
He didn’t write as eloquently as Walker/Winn but he was brutally honest, I would highly recommend his two books.
I read that too. Brilliant book. 👍
LucyAnna5
merlotgran
A best selling book and a film!
How come it’s taken so long for the truth to come to light?And she’s touring with a folk band!!
www.theatresevern.co.uk/shows/whatson/gigspanner-big-band-raynor-winn-the-salt-path
Do you think it’ll be pulled? Or booed?
www.google.com/gasearch?q=observer%20video%20salt%20path&source=sh/x/gs/m2/5#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:6220ff05,vid:UY2ivdm9obY,st:0
Here’s a video about the deception etc.
Saw the film a few weeks ago and not impressed, didn't feel anything for the couple and also thought there wasn't any emotional attachment between the two on film.
Recently been told of an article I think in the Observer that says the whole story is fiction, the pair are fraudsters and the chap is not even ill, not sure about the truth of this but will try to check out the newspaper article.
Articles in Observer and Telegraph today may mean less sympathy for the couple ….
apple.news/ALOeG85kVTDC4VFTnRfPEFA
Might answer your question!
observer.co.uk/news/national/article/the-real-salt-path-how-the-couple-behind-a-bestseller-left-a-trail-of-debt-and-deceit
She (Raynor Winn, not her real name btw) did a lot more than steal a few things to eat, she is an out and out charlatan!
It's very difficult to know who to believe about anything now!
I read the books, really enjoyed them and would have gone to see the film if I were able.
Sad that an uplifting tale like that is tainted, whatever the truth of the matter.
I read the book some time ago and for some reason found it difficult to feel sympathetic or be impressed by their journey. It stopped me from seeing the film too. I was also suspicious of her husband’s supposed terminal condition.
This couple lived locally and the story has been fabricated for their own gains. They own a house in France and the woman stole thousands from a local buisness and was due to be prosecuted until they disappeared and changed their names !! shameful money making and I definately will not be supporting their theft from kind people 😡😡
I tried to read the book but felt something was 'off' about it. The article in The Observer yesterday made me sad especially for the people she stole money from. And they had bought a house in France in 2007 so they could have gone there or sold it to repay their debts. Please read the article and see what you think.
I read a newspaper article over the weekend. Suggested that she stole from her employer quite a lot of money? Etc.
Even suggested his illness was not real.
I think I’ll give the film a miss. Not putting money into pockets of such people!
I have read both books as has my daughter which inspired her to walk the SW Coast Path but in the Guardian this weekend gone - 5/6th July 2025, they have been exposed by a journalist. 'Moths' business partners family have commented on how they stole more than £60k from the book business she was working in and also some medics have said he was not as ill as she claimed he was if he ever had the condition quoted it wouldn't be possible to make that recovery.
Also when they left Wales because of the treachery for want of a better word they both changed their names.
She has made a comment through her solicitors.
One just doesn't know what is the truth anymore.
J52
LucyAnna5
merlotgran
A best selling book and a film!
How come it’s taken so long for the truth to come to light?And she’s touring with a folk band!!
www.theatresevern.co.uk/shows/whatson/gigspanner-big-band-raynor-winn-the-salt-pathDo you think it’ll be pulled? Or booed?
I don’t like her speaking voice and have never liked her collaboration with Gigspanner, who were a favourite group of mine. She and they are featured in an edition of the Folk on Foot podcast.
There is also a question mark on the illness ‘Moth’ was supposed to have as his ‘symptoms don’t match up with the disease he was apparently diagnosed with… such a shame I bought both books for a friend who loved them … now I feel cheated too!
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