The Salt Path

The Salt Path: A Memoir (2018) is a work of nonfiction and the first book by Raynor Winn. It follows the story of Winn and her husband, Moth, over a two-year period after they lose their home. Moth was also diagnosed with a gradually progressing degenerative disease. With few other options and no clear path for rebuilding their lives, they decide to hike the South West Coast Path, a 630-mile trail that runs along the southwest corner of the United Kingdom. The narrative is mostly told linearly and discusses their struggle to come to terms with their new circumstances as unhoused people uncertain of how long Moth has left to live. The book was shortlisted for several prizes, including the Costa Book Award, and named a best book of 2019 by NPR’s Book Concierge. Production of a movie adaptation starring Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs began in 2023.

This guide refers to the 2019 edition published by Penguin Books.

Plot Summary

The prologue shows Moth and Winn struggling to relocate their camping gear as the incoming tide floods their campsite. Raynor is impressed by Moth’s physical abilities, which have recently been limited.