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The Salt Path by Raynor Winn

Author: Aloÿse of Daylesford Book Club, Posted: Friday, 25th January 2019, 15:00

If you need to recalibrate following the start of the new year, I recommend you read the incredible true story ‘The Salt Path’ by Raynor Winn, shortlisted for the Wainwright Book Prize and the Costa Book Awards.

Raynor and Moth have lost their home through a bad investment and Moth is terminally ill. They decide to walk the 630-mile South West Coastal Path starting in Minehead. They purchase flimsy sleeping bags and a tent, and with £115 in cash they set off. They are aged 50 and 53 and this is their story.

There was no money for camp sites or B&Bs. They could only just manage to carry their packs, yet they were free. Along the way the challenges were great. Precipitous paths, dreadful weather conditions and unfriendly locals, but Raynor writes thoughtfully and with great humour about the expedition. The descriptions of nature are beautiful even in the most awful depressing moments.

Preconceptions bring prejudice and the reaction to the word “homeless” made people withdraw their friendliness. Instead they told people they had sold their house and were having a mid-life moment. The reaction to that was “wow – how amazing”.

However, Raynor does not judge. The book is uplifting, full of hope, and love.

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The Salt Path by Raynor Winn

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