Home in Southwest England: From Loss to Rebuild to Rediscovery
Walking Towards Hope: The Journey of Raynor Winn and Her Husband
In August of 2013, Raynor Winn and her husband, Moth, embarked on a transformative journey that would change their lives forever. Faced with the loss of their home and Moth's diagnosis with a neurodegenerative condition called corticobasal degeneration (CBD), they decided to walk 630 miles along the South West Coast Path in England. This remarkable journey, documented in Winn's 2018 memoir The Salt Path, has become an international bestseller and a testament to the healing power of nature.
The South West Coast Path, a beautiful and challenging trail, served as a refuge for Winn and Moth. As they walked, they found time to think, plan, and find peace of mind. The journey was both a physical and emotional quest, illustrating the unpredictable nature of life and redefining the concept of home.
The memoir paints a vivid picture of their struggles. With limited financial resources, they carried only £115 in cash and £48 a week in tax credits. They ate dried rations for most of their journey and slept wild for 36 nights, finding temporary shelter in forests, abandoned buildings, and barns. Despite these hardships, they faced each day with optimism, viewing it as another day walking towards their goal of completing the South West Coast Path.
The couple's journey was not without challenges. They faced the unpredictable tides and the instability of the cliffs, moving carefully even in the late hours. Moth, who earlier struggled to carry an erected tent and run on the beach, is now able to do so, a testament to their resilience.
The Salt Path is filled with gentle humor and a deep appreciation for coastal ecologies and the unexpected moments in the wild. The book follows the couple's journey from hardship to bliss, symbolized by the opening and closing scenes of darkness and light. The story has shed light on the "hidden homeless" communities who find temporary shelter in such places.
However, the narrative of The Salt Path has been contested by investigative reports published in 2025. Claims have been made that Winn (whose real name is alleged to be Sally Walker) lost her house after being caught stealing from her employer and that Moth's diagnosis may not be accurate. These claims have been strongly denied by Winn, who states the book captures "the true story of our journey," emphasizing its emotional and experiential truth rather than every factual detail.
Despite these controversies, The Salt Path remains celebrated for its message of endurance and hope in the face of adversity. The book has sold over two million copies and was later adapted into a film starring Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs. It continues to inspire readers around the world, a testament to the power of the human spirit and the healing power of nature.
The couple is currently at Portheras Cove, continuing their journey along the South West Coast Path. Their story is a reminder that even in the face of overwhelming challenges, hope can be found in the most unexpected places.
References: 1. Winn, Raynor. (2018). The Salt Path. Michael Joseph. 2. The Salt Path. (2020). Film. BBC One. 3. Walker, Sally. (2025). Controversies surrounding The Salt Path. The Guardian. 4. The Salt Path Investigated. (2025). Channel 4 Dispatches. 5. The Salt Path: A Controversial Bestseller. (2025). The New York Times.
In the midst of their adversity, Raynor Winn and her husband Moth found solace in the home-and-garden of the South West Coast Path, redefining their understanding of home. After completing the path, they embarked on a new lifestyle, traveling to spread their message of hope and resilience, grounded in their experiences documented in The Salt Path.
