The Salt Path Cornwall
Come to Cornwall before the summer crowds and enjoy the coastline. Couples’ holidays in Cornwall are the perfect medicine for the mind, body and soul. It is now the best time to take that trek, with the release of The Salt Path, on the 30th of May. This is an inspiring and scenic film showcases Cornwall’s coastline.
The film premiered at the Lighthouse Cinema, right here in Newquay, on April the 29th 2025. Based on the best-selling memoir by Raynor Winn. The story follows her and her husband Moth, after they lose their house, business, and get a shocking health diagnosis.
Follow some of the best walks, as shown in the Salt Path film, which stars international stars Gillian Anderson and Jason Isaacs.
Hendra is located just off the north coast, and is a great base for exploring Cornwall’s section of the Salt Path. Many walkers on the Salt Path take their time visiting Cornwall and walking different sections of the coast, on a few different trips, so that they can still enjoy a restful holiday inbetween. There’s no right or wrong way to explore the Salt Path. Whatever way you choose to do it, it will definitely be worth the views. So get your walking boots on and get ready for the ultimate walker’s experience: your couples’ holiday in Cornwall awaits…
Starting your Salt Path Cornwall Holiday
North Cornwall – 66 miles
Marsland to Newquay
From Marsland, and the north coastal town of Bude down to Newquay, this section of the coast path offers remote and rugged coastline with some winds off the Atlantic ocean. Points of note include Bude, in north Cornwall, well-known for its surf and large tidal pool.
Down from Bude there’s Bostcastle, with the one-of-a-kind museum of Witchcraft and Magic with an impressive collection of memorabilia of all things magic and witchcraft related. Also, find out about the even more magical resilience of the people of Boscastle who overcame the devastating floods back in 2004.
Credit: Matt Jessop. Bude Tidal Pool.
Tintagel, a town shrouded in the myths and legends of King Arthur. Visit this English Heritage site and get whipped up in the world of King Arthur, and the magic of this 13th century castle. See the sculpture of King Arthur by the sea: Gallos, an 8ft tall bronze sculpture.
Then down from here you can walk to the famous Doc Martin town of Port Isaac, a quaint fishing village. Head down further to the well-trodden, but beautiful, path to Padstow. A famous foodie and harbour town. From Padstow you will find some of the north coast’s most stunning beaches, such as Polzeath, Harlyn, Bedruthan steps, Mawgan Porth, Watergate and our 7 beautiful Newquay beaches.
Credit: Visit Cornwall. Tintagel Castle.
West Cornwall – 144 miles
Newquay to Falmouth.
This stretch of coastline includes the artistic towns of St Ives, and Falmouth, along with Ray’s, the writer of the Salt Path, favourite stretch from Zennor to the Minack Theatre.
From Newquay you will find the dune backed and soft sand beaches of Crantock and Holywell. These expansive sandy beaches, have some of the best coastal views in the county. Then there’s popular Perranporth, a fun town with a large beach where the coast leads to St Agnes, where you can see the old tin mines and experience the history of Cornwall.
Credit: Julia Hughes. Poppies overlooking Crantock.
Everyone knows the famous St Ives, a popular spot with artists and holiday makers. Even though it is crowded you can always appreciate its beauty with the whitest sand, special light, which the artists love, and the green-blue pastel sea colour.
From here head to Zennor, pop for refreshment at the Tinners Arms, and enjoy this breathtaking spot. Famous for another Cornish legend, the Mermaid of Zennor, visit the church and see the mermaid chair.
Beyond St Ives the coast encircles two great peninsulas: Penwith, the westernmost part of England, and the Lizard, the southernmost. Head down to towards Lands End and visit the westernmost part of the UK.
Here head round to some Instagram worthy famous spots, Nanjizal Bay, a dreamy swimming place, and then around to the jaw-dropping Porthcurno and the Minack Theatre, which will be without a doubt the most scenic theatre that you will ever visit! Made from granite, carved into the rocks, the Minack overlooks the paradise beach that is Porthcurno.
Credit: Greg Blundell. The Minack Theatre and Porthcurno.
From here you will find St Michael’s Mount, which is an ancient tidal island and castle, and then around to the Lizard. There’s some lovely areas around here, notably the Helford passage. The south coast is popular with sailing boats, kayakers and paddle boarders.
South Coast – 76 miles
From Falmouth to Plymouth.
Starting in Falmouth and finishing in Devon, this is the last section of the South West Coastal Path in Cornwall.
Falmouth is a brilliant town influenced by the University of Falmouth students as well as maintaining its rich maritime history. See one of the deepest harbours in the world and the large ships in it, take a wander around the quirky shops, bars and restaurants, visit Gylly Beach and then walk over to the iconic Pendennis Castle. Next is St Mawes castle, which looks over the small fishing village of St Mawes, part of the stunning Roseland Peninsula.
Credit: Adam Gibbard. The South Coast.
Then there’s the well-known and thriving fishing village, Mevagissey. The grassy coastline curves around to Fowey, another fishing town perfect for wandering around. This part of the Coast Path is very attractive, with ferry trips over several rivers. It is Daphne Du Maurier country, as this scenery inspired her famous novels with its many estuaries.
Charlestown is an ancient port near St Austell, famed for its tall ships and well-preserved Georgian Harbour. Enjoy the green hills and stop off at fishing towns Looe and Polperro. Before embarking on the coastal path to the peaceful ‘hidden corner’ of Cornwall: the Rame Peninsula, which has tidal creeks, sandy beaches, and lush farmland, before reaching the bustling city of Plymouth over the Tamar and ending in Devon.
Credit: Paul Watts. Fowey.
Becoming ‘salted’
Ray, the author of the Salt Path, uses the term ‘salted’ which she says to mean that the Salt Path becomes part of you forever. The thought that this beautiful walk, which isn’t without its challenges, especially in the Winn’s case, shows the truly transformative effect that nature and the elements can have on somebody. This novel and film is well and truly inspirational. Even if you don’t find it transformative, we can guarantee that the film is a feast for the eyes, and you can never not be moved by the views of the powerful ocean, elements and salty air.
Booking your stay to explore the Salt Path
So there we have it, a run-down of our awesome Cornwall section of the South West Coast path, or the Cornwall part of the ‘Salt Path’. Hendra Holiday Park has some fantastic options for accommodation, and well-connected public transport. We have our new ‘Pitch and Pause‘ offering adult-only grassed-electric pitches for motorhomes, touring caravans and tents in our exclusive over 18s only area. This area is all about just relaxing, unwinding and enjoying Cornwall from coast to country-side.
Or, have a look at our many offers for our luxury self-catering accommodation. Whatever way you choose to stay, you are guaranteed to have a great holiday in Cornwall. Hendra is a prime location for the South West Coast path, as it is centrally located just off the north coast.
