Wondering where to head for your next dog-friendly adventure? Get ahead of the crowds and explore the cinematic landscapes of The Salt Path with your canine companion, before the much-awaited film hits the big screen in May. Raynor Winn’s bestselling memoir, now a major film starring Jason Isaacs and Gillian Anderson, follows her epic 630-mile journey along the South West Coast Path, capturing the raw beauty and power of nature.
Unlike Raynor and her husband Moth, you don’t have to walk the entire length of Britain’s longest National Trail in search of a new home, or wild camp along the way. However far you and your four-legged friend roam, these dog-friendly cottages near key filming locations in Cornwall, Devon, and Somerset provide the perfect place to rest salty paws and weary feet.
Sashes, Minehead, Somerset
Sleeps 6 + 2 dogs
When you start your journey along The Salt Path in Minehead, you and your four-legged friend can step straight out onto the 630-mile trail from this Grade II fisherman’s cottage. Whether you choose to take a circular hike to Porlock Bay, explore the wilds of Exmoor, or simply stroll along the mile-long promenade, loop back to your cosy beachside abode for a bubble bath, drinks on the patio, and a well-earned dinner in one the nearby restaurants.
The Stable Block, Porlock Weir, Somerset
Sleeps 2 + 2 dogs
Looking for some peace and quiet a little further along The Salt Path? Soak up the wild tranquility of Porlock Weir, where you can walk straight out into breathtaking scenery that you’ll recognise from the big screen. With an enclosed garden, a Juliette balcony, and a woodburner, this cosy retreat invites you to hunker down beneath the beams between walkies. As well as the woodland and coastal trails starting right from your doorstep.
Wood Cottage Lynton, Devon
Sleeps 4 + 1 dog
The Valley of Rocks is even more breathtaking in real life than on screen, making it a must-visit to explore its iconic formations in the footsteps of Raynor and Moth. In fact, you and your pooch will love exploring the entire stretch of this glorious coastline sandwiched between Exmoor and the Atlantic, from your seaside cottage in Lynton. Not only can you enjoy easy access to the coast path, coves and Exmoor, you’ve also got the delights of the town and the Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway on the doorstep.
Coastline, Ilfracombe, Devon
Sleeps 2 + 1 dog
Marking a transformative point of Raynor Winn’s journey along The Salt Path, Ilfracombe is an ideal destination for a dog-friendly break in Devon. Bag this cosy apartment beside the water’s edge, from where you can enjoy walkies alongThe Salt Path to secluded coves and towering cliffs, or trot into town to visit the sea pools, art galleries and waterside restaurants. Not forgetting that Exmoor National Park also awaits for days out with your dog.
The Nook, Higher Clovelly, Devon
Sleeps 2 + 1 dog
Hugged by rugged cliffs, Atlantic rainforest and remote coves, the historic village of Clovelly and its surroundings beckon dog owners to explore from the cobblestone streets and 13th century harbour to the dramatic promontory of Hartland Quay. Relax in a charming Grade II listed granary nestled between the two, with low-slung beams, a large garden and far-reaching sea views, from where you can strike out into the wild North Devon coastline at the heart of Winn’s epic story, or stroll into Clovelly for just-caught seafood or a cream tea – luxuries that Raynor and Winn couldn’t afford on their own journey.
Beehive Cottages, Port Issac, North Cornwall
Sleeps 4 + 2 dogs
The ups and downs of the coast path around Port Isaac will have you pausing to catch your breath – perhaps even on the same path-side bench where Anderson and Isaacs filmed their scene at Port Quin, with Doyden Castle in the distance. It’s only a smidge over three miles from this waterside cottage in Port Isaac to the craggy inlet at Port Quin, where you can kick off your shoes, dip in the rock pools and pause to reflect on your own life with your pooch by your side.
Upperdeck, Padstow, North Cornwall
Sleeps 2 + 1 dog
The pretty harbour town of Padstow plays a pivotal role in both the book and the film, as Raynor and Moth stopped here to withdraw some of their funds for fish and chips before moving onto to the beaches on its outskirts. When you commandeer this contemporary dog-friendly apartment overlooking the harbour and estuary, we’d recommend that you follow Raynor’s footsteps along the coast path to Hawker’s Cove, Stepper Point and beyond, and also follow her lead by fuelling up with freshly-caught fish and chips on the quay.
Red Rails, Newquay, Cornwall
Sleeps 10 + 3 dogs
Whether you hit the dog-friendly beaches or simply trace the cliff paths along Newquay’s surf-riddled coastline, it’s plain to see why this stunning part of Cornwall made it to the final cut of The Salt Path. From this large, art-deco holiday home you’re seconds from the coast path and golden sands of Fistral Beach, whilst being enveloped in absolute luxury. Think designer decor, plush furnishings and dreamy sea views, from where you can enjoy all the spoils of one of our favourite dog-friendly towns in the UK.
The Old Signal House, Cawsand, South Cornwall
Sleeps 6 + 2 dogs
When Raynor and Winn were 400 miles into their walk with no tangible home to go back to, the wild beauty of the Rame Peninsula symbolised both the hope and despair of their situation. However, when you strike out along this hawthorn-hemmed peninsula to St Michael’s Chapel with your dog in tow, you can turn back to the more welcoming luxuries of a former Trinity House fog signal building. This unique dog-friendly retreat sits as close to the shoreline as Raynor and Moth’s tent once did—only with the added luxuries of a log burner, a light-filled open-plan living space, and panoramic sea views you don’t have to unzip a door to enjoy.
Book a Dog Friendly Holiday Cottage to Walk The Salt Path
Feeling inspired to walk The Salt Path with your dog by your side? Book now and beat the crowds to explore some of the key filming locations when you stay at one of our dog-friendly holiday cottages.
How to Plan Your Walk Along the South West Coast Path
The South West Coast Path is Britain’s longest National Trail and can be accessed from many points along its 630-mile route. Whether you want to walk for hours, days or weeks, it’s easy to plan your hike with the trip planner and distance calculator on the official South West Coast Path website. There are also many circular walks, as well as routes that link to public transport on the walks section.
