Faced with a huge financial setback and a devastating diagnosis, most people would retreat back into their home (if they still had one) and fall into a deep depression, but that’s not what The Salt Path is about. Moth and Raynor Winn are a Welsh couple who lost their life savings after making a bad investment. Then Moth Winn was diagnosed with a rare neurodegenerative condition called corticobasal degeneration.
The Double Loss Plays Into The Salt Path
Corticobasal degeneration has no cure. Like Parkinson’s and other palsy-related diseases, it affects the neurological system. It eventually causes problems with speech, memory issues, and ultimately it adversely affects movement. After Moth’s diagnosis, his wife, Raynor and he decided to defy the odds and do what they love to do. They went hiking.
Following the craggy outline of the southwestern coast of England is a 630 mile path. It’s called the South West Coast Path. It’s also known as the Salt Path. Although some of it goes through towns and hamlets, much of it cuts through the stunning but unforgiving wilderness. It’s a beautiful but a challenging hike, which offers a plethora of picturesque views. This is where The Salt Path begins.
The Unexpected Benefits of the Salt Path
When fear, loss, and anger devastated and drained the Winns, they didn’t let it dictate their life. Both loved nature and decided to set out and tackle the infamous Salt Path. This was in 2013; in 2018 Raynor Winn wrote award winning novel The Salt Path. Several years later, Winn’s novel was turned into a screenplay for a movie.
Before getting into the film adaptation, some unexpected things happened. Instead of becoming weaker, Moth got stronger. Breathing in fresh air, gaining cardio-strength through walking, plus simply relinquishing all material aspects of his life helped him regain his health. This is not to say there were no setbacks, but the Salt Path’s journey was one of healing
The Salt Path Film Adaptation
Rebecca Lenkiewicz wrote the screenplay and Marianne Elliott had her directorial debut with project. Starring in the film is Jason Isaacs as Moth and Gillian Anderson as Raynor. Both Isaacs and Anderson embody Moth and Raynor – showing the depths of loss and then the shining resilience of each. With a limited but talented cast, breathtakingly gorgeous views, and an amazing heartfelt story, The Salt Path is a clear triumph.
