PEOPLE wanting to visit Exmoor after watching the new film ‘The Salt Path’ are being warned to respect the national park countryside.

Exmoor National Park Authority (ENPA) expects a boost in visitor numbers after Friday’s (May 30) release of the film, which tells of a couple who walk the South West Coast Path after losing their home and livelihood when the husband is diagnosed with a terminal illness.

Many of the scenes in the film were shot using locations across West Somerset and Exmoor.

National park rangers and estate management played a role in the film’s production, working closely with the filmmakers to facilitate access to Exmoor filming locations while ensuring the natural environment was protected.

ENPA enterprise and communications manager Dan James said: “We are delighted to see Exmoor’s stunning coastline featured so prominently in such a moving story.

A scene from 'The Salt Path' being shot on North Hill, near Minehead. PHOTO: ENPA.
A scene from 'The Salt Path' being shot on North Hill, near Minehead. PHOTO: ENPA. ( )

“The Salt Path has already inspired thousands to explore the South West Coast Path and we hope the film will inspire more people to connect with nature and discover the benefits of this special landscape for mental and physical wellbeing.”

But Mr James said people should explore Exmoor responsibly, staying on marked footpaths and following the Countryside Code.

Mr James said: “It is all about enjoying your adventure while leaving no trace, minimising the impact on local communities and wildlife and ensuring you are prepared.

“Our rangers and volunteers work all year round with partners such as the National Trust to maintain the Exmoor section of the South West Coast Path as part of a rights of way network of around 620 miles.

“Your support helps us continue this vital work.”

Mr James also warned that walking the whole of the Exmoor coast was a ‘serious undertaking’ and people needed to be adequately prepared.

He said: “The national park’s range of Exmoor Strolls, Explorer, and Classic walks offer some shorter walks based on and around Exmoor’s rugged coast, taking in many of the places featured in the Salt Path.”

People can learn more about visiting Exmoor and enjoying the South West Coast Path responsibly from the ENPA website and to support the work of the national park and its access and conservation projects they can visit the CareMoor website.