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Sunday, 6 July 2025

The real Salt Path: the truth behind the blockbuster book

It has become a literary phenomenon, sold more than 2 million copies, and been adapted into a major film. Ros Hemmings says that key parts of The Salt Path are untrue, and it makes her “sick”

The Salt Path is advertised as an “honest and true” story. A story that has become a literary phenomenon, sold more than 2 million copies, and been adapted into a major film.

Ros Hemmings says that key parts of it are untrue – and it makes her “feel sick”. 

Hemmings was friends with Raynor Winn, the book’s author, and her husband Moth, more than two decades ago. 

But she knew them by their real names: Sally and Tim Walker. 

And the story she remembers is different from the one that’s been sold to the world. 

Reporter: Chloe Hadjimatheou

Video journalist: Alice Anderson

Producer: Tom Larkin

Social editor: Tomini Babs

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