The Controversy Surrounding The Salt Path and the Winns
A healthcare charity has ended its partnership with the author of the bestselling memoir The Salt Path following allegations that have cast doubt on the authenticity of her story. The controversy centers around claims regarding her husband’s illness and an accusation that she stole £64,000 from a former employer.
The charity, known as PSPA, expressed its shock and disappointment at the allegations made against Raynor and Moth Winn. It stated that the situation had come as a surprise to everyone involved. The allegations have sparked significant debate, particularly concerning Moth’s long-term struggle with a rare neurological condition called corticobasal degeneration (CBD), which is similar to Parkinson’s disease. This condition is central to the narrative of The Salt Path, where Moth’s illness plays a key role in the couple’s journey.
According to the NHS, individuals diagnosed with CBD typically live for six to eight years after diagnosis. However, Moth has reportedly been living with the condition for 18 years without any visible symptoms. This discrepancy has raised questions about the accuracy of the account presented in the book.
An investigation by The Observer brought these concerns to light. The newspaper contacted several neurologists specializing in CBD, and one of them reportedly said that Moth’s history with the illness “does not pass the sniff test.” The report suggests that someone suffering from CBD for more than 12 years would require round-the-clock care, which contradicts the portrayal in the memoir.
In response to the allegations, PSPA, which had previously collaborated with the Winns, stated that there were too many unanswered questions. A statement on the charity’s website read: “We were shocked and disappointed to learn of the allegations made about Raynor and Moth Winn by The Observer this weekend. We know the article has taken everyone by surprise and has made people affected by Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD) and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) feel angry, let down and eager for clarity.”
The Winns’ account of losing their home and embarking on a grueling trek along the South West Coast Path has been scrutinized following the investigation. According to The Observer, the couple used different legal names—Sally and Tim Walker—before they became widely known as Raynor and Moth Winn. The newspaper also alleged that the couple was not forced out of their home due to a failed investment, but rather because of financial misconduct.
The Winns’ representatives have denied the allegations, calling them “highly misleading.” In a statement, they emphasized that The Salt Path is a true story of their physical and spiritual journey. They added that the couple is seeking legal advice and declined to specify which parts of the allegations they found inaccurate.
The memoir, released in 2018, details the couple’s decision to embark on a 630-mile walk after losing their home. In the book, Winn writes about the emotional toll of their loss, describing it as a turning point in their lives. The story is celebrated as a life-affirming account of healing through nature and has inspired two sequels and a film adaptation.
The film, released in May, features actors David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson, who recently appeared in HBO’s The White Lotus. The Winns attended the London premiere, posing for photographs alongside the cast. Despite the controversy, the couple continues to be a prominent figure in discussions about resilience, storytelling, and the power of the natural world.
