The Salt Path

The South West Coast Path, at around 630 miles, is one of the longest coastal paths in the world. Because of frequent changes in elevation, the numerous rivers that must be navigated, and the fact that the path is often fully exposed to the sea, it is also quite challenging to walk. The typical hiker takes around eight weeks to hike the entire trail, which is about 11 miles per day (“52 Day Itinerary.” South West Coast Path Association). Few hike the entire trail in one go, instead breaking the hike into several trips spread over several years, which is what Raynor and Moth do. Even fewer camp along the path, instead electing to sleep at B&Bs and other overnight accommodations along the way. There are also numerous day hikes and shorter multi-day hikes that hikers can choose from. The path follows the coast along the southwest peninsula of the island of Great Britain, from Minehead in Somerset at its most northerly point to Poole Harbor at its most easterly. Land’s End, Raynor and Moth’s destination through Part 4, is the most westerly point of the path and nearly the midway point.

The region has been settled by humans repeatedly since at least the Bronze Age, and there are rich historical and cultural associations along the path.