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Thread 22 : To feel disappointed - and now disgusted too - after reading this in The Observer about the author and her husband from The Salt Path book and film?

1000 replies

DisappointedReader · 05/01/2026 19:13

NO POSTS PLEASE UNTIL THREAD 21 IS FULL

The Observer's original exposé: The real Salt Path: how a blockbuster book and film were ...

First thread: To feel disappointed after reading this in The Observer about the author and her husband from The Salt Path book and film? | Mumsnet

Links to threads 2-16, the other 20 Observer articles and videos to date, Raynor Winn/Sally Walker's statement, our timeline and sources can all be accessed in the OP and first few posts of Thread 17: https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/5403285-thread-17-to-feel-disappointed-after-reading-this-in-the-observer-about-the-author-and-her-husband-from-the-salt-path-book-and-film?

Links to threads 18-20 can be found in the OP of Thread 21: https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/5460943-thread-21-to-feel-disappointed-and-now-disgusted-too-after-reading-this-in-the-observer-about-the-author-and-her-husband-from-the-salt-path-book-and-film?

Most recent:

New posters joining us in the genuine spirit of our civil discourse are welcome. It would be helpful to get the background from at least some of the Observer exposé items before posting.
To all - Please be extremely cautious when it comes to naming or implicating people and addresses not in the public eye or with no direct connection to the story, and around the understandable health speculations, especially where details are unclear or still emerging. Remember, even Hollywood rabbits attract the odd flea. Please do not engage with drive-by scolders and ploppers who seem to have their own agenda and seek to derail. Avoid @'ing and quoting them as - from experience - this will only encourage them back to the threads. Over 6 months we have done amazingly well together for 21 very interesting, very serious and very silly threads so far. I can't be here as much as I'd like so all help with keeping our discussion walking along in our usual reasonable and respectful fashion is very welcome.

After 21,000 posts there are still new things to look out for on the path ahead:

  • Observer Newsroom: The Real Salt Path Story, Thursday 8th January 2026 6.30-7.30pm. More information and to book via this link observer.co.uk/our-events/the-real-salt-path-story
  • Podcast series from The Observer's award-winning Investigative Journalist Chloe Hadjimatheou, 13th January 2026
  • BBC Podcast (NB Not involving Our Chloe)

Keep to the path, no saltiness, eat fudge and drink cider.

NO POSTS PLEASE UNTIL THREAD 21 IS FULL

OP posts:
Thread gallery
47
Freshsocks · 12/01/2026 13:03

PrettyDamnCosmic · 12/01/2026 10:22

The 2015 letter is regarding a first referral to the neurology department in Liverpool which is why the letterhead says 'NHS Foundation Trust'.

The 2019 letter is a follow up in neurology outpatients in Wales which is why the letterhead says "Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board". There will have been other letters since 2015 but these have not been produced. Dr Davies is based in Walton but presumably does a regular outpatient clinic in Wales. This is not uncommon.

I think there could be other letters but not necessarily from anyone in neurology, though, we know that the consultant has seen Tim at his clinic, in Liverpool, and you are correct, he saw Tim in the Welsh clinic 2019 (Bangor?) there is nothing in the consultants letters suggesting that he has been seen more frequently by this consultant or a colleague in either neurology clinic. 2015 we all agree is the first letter, the first time Tim has been referred, first consultation, previously Tim has been seen in the pain clinic.

At the end of the 2015 letter the consultant concludes, "It is clear that the physiotherapy arranged through doctor blank, colleagues at the blank, has been the most helpful intervention to date, and I'm sure this should continue. I confirm that I have absolutely no objection to his continuing with the planned undertake academic studies in horticulture (to complement his practical experience in the field) I will write when I have the scan results (there would have been a letter, maybe sent to Tim's GP, and GP informed Tim?) I enclose information about the PSP association with a copy of this letter that goes to Mr Walker."

There is no mention of follow up visits to the consultants clinic, just a continuation of the care Tim is receiving already. At the start of the 2019 letter, "I saw Mr Walker today with his wife, as you know he has been under review for some years" he is stating that Tim has been under review. But again he is not saying that he has been reviewing him, or another colleague in his unit. Reviews are also undertaken by the GP for people with chronic conditions, so likely reviewed at GP/PC.

The 2019 consultation seems to have been arranged as Tim is complaining of, "The main symptom that Mr Walker described today was that of pressure like headache with throbbing and transitory imbalance, which is present every day there is no doubt that this must be a migraine type phenomenon." he goes on to mention "we also discussed symptoms of parasthesia in his feet and pains up and down his legs, perhaps in an L5 or S1 distribution. He also has a rather atypical disturbance of the anal sphincter function. In short although I think the yield is fairly low, I am undertaking a lumbar spine MRI to exclude a structural lesion."

So the consultant has seen Tim, but doesn't think his new symptoms are connected to CBDS, he is going to do some tests, the second page of the 2019, letter is missing, so we don't know what follow up arrangements were made, I suspect, as nothing serious was found, Tim continued to be monitored by his GP/PC. We don't have any more information. But there are no other letters, to prove that the way Tim's illness was progressing, required him to be regularly seen by a consultant neurologist, or anyone in either neurology clinics.

The 2025, letter interests me, it looks like the consultation has been made primarily because of the new cardiac diagnosis (there could be letters relating to this) Tim wants to know if this is a symptom of CBS, "He asked about cardiac and circulatory problems that may be associated with CBS. Cerebral neurodegenerative conditions of course may be associated with autonomic disturbance to affect circulation but this is very unlikely with CBS" so again a consultation for something raised by Tim, a reason for a consultation, but not found to be connected.

The consultant says "Admittedly the clinical course in this case has been so atypical that we shouldn't discount any possibility. In any event holistic management and maintenance of activity as far as possible is definitely the best option." So again, a consultation request because of a new symptom, again not found to be connected.

Then the consultant says "I was keen to acknowledge in our discussion that his clinical story has been unique and I know he and his wife have been engaged in highly commendable exercise of improving awareness of CBD and CBS. I was very pleased to hear from them that whenever they discuss with others or in public they emphasis benefit of activities, without indicating that the clinical outcome will be as favourable as has been the case for Mr Walker himself."

His last paragraph is interesting, "You may be aware that a cinema release is shortly due which is a retelling of parts of Mr walker's story." He finishes with "As well as arranging an annual follow-up, I have emphasized that I am happy to discuss with him if they have any queries raised by that process. " What is he saying here, has Tim previously asked to have his annual review with the consultant rather than at the GP/PC, who is he indicating by "they ".

You say there will have been other letters, I agree there would have been letters sent about the test results, other letters perhaps, about GP/PC appointments possibly. Salray hasn't shown any, I would imagine that is because they don't confirm serious illness. We can't say for certain from the 2025 letter that the consultant hasn't seen Tim between 2019-2025, it doesn't seem so, but without the second page of the 2019 letter, stating what the follow up would be we can't be certain.

Tim doesn't seem to have been unwell enough to require seeing a neurologist frequently. I think any other letters Salray has would also show that, just my personal feeling. It would be interesting to know what the second page of the 2019 letter contained.

OnlyAfterwards · 12/01/2026 13:21

Vroomfondleswaistcoat · 12/01/2026 11:30

But the thing is with sending stuff to agents and publishers - most people don't get a reply. They might get a 'thank you for your submission but not quite right for our lists at this time' email about a year later. Agents don't have time to be going through manuscripts and saying 'well, yes, if you changed this and this and rewrote this bit and concentrated on this bit you might have something.' They don't have time. They don't give advice unless they are going to take the manuscript on, or think that the writer shows such promise that, with a few tweaks, their book is publishable.

They would have already signed her before they gave her such advice. So either they thought her writing was so shiningly brilliant that they couldn't pass it over (unlikely), or she'd already written it in a form they thought, with a very little bit of tweaking, they could sell. Agents want to make money out of writers. Someone who's written one single book, no chance of a sequel, that is going to need a lot of their input before it's worth sending to a publisher - they are going to pass over.

So I think Sal might have mentioned that she had ideas for follow ups (but without having any such ideas), and also that she was originally flogging it as a Twu Luv Stowee....

Agreed that either the MS was already in reasonable shape, or JC thought its hook was strong enough to sell on that alone, and that an editor would buy it for the pitch,

Re sequels, I think that’s a bit different for non-fiction, especially of the ‘The free-spirited, wild thing I did in response to a cruel twist of fate’ book type, which, by definition, are usually one-offs. I mean, I don’t suppose Cheryl Strayed’s agent cavilled at the lack of series potential when she read the MS of Wild. She’s never written a ‘what happened next’ book, though I bet she was asked. Amy Liptrott tried to hit the same beats again in her next book after The Outrun, but it didn’t really come off.

And remember that when Jennifer Christie would have first read the MS of ‘Lightly Salted Blackberries’, she would have known, almost certainly from SW’s cover letter, but certainly from their first conversation, that ‘Moth’ was alive and well enough to be doing a degree.

As soon as it was clear that TSP was a huge hit, and SW was massively in demand for interviews etc and that everyone’s first question was ‘How is Moth?’, the appetite for a sequel was clear.

Worralorra · 12/01/2026 13:41

Nothing to add except that you have taken your disappointment and disgust to a whole new level (22 threads!!!)

I hope that you find yourself getting over it soon…

Stoufer · 12/01/2026 14:06

TheTimeTravellersNiece · 12/01/2026 11:36

I know, I'm just wondering if LSB was first written as a novel. HNTDD was a novel based on their life up to the point they were losing their house (we think, we don't actually know) They were still there when they were trying to raffle it. LSB would have the walking etc that came later We only have her word for it that it was written as a memoir, it could have been a novel in the same ilk as HNTDD, but was made into a memoir later.

Just a thought really, probably not important.

I’m struggling to remember correctly, but didn’t posts (?) from Gangani / the actual Gangani website mention that other books would be coming soon (after HNTDDD)? Maybe the first manuscript for LSB was intended as the sequel to that, and maybe it had been sketched out in rough (or more) as part of the Gangani output??

Freshsocks · 12/01/2026 14:06

It's quite incredible isn't it @Worralorra, this story has so many elements, no one thought it would keep unraveling, revealing such layers of deception. At first we just thought Salray was an embezzler, lying about being homeless, then we find that the walk date and that of the diagnosis was questionable, again date doesn't add up. But to find out just about everything is lies, finding out she stole her family's money, took prizes she didn't deserve, had already written another book, well it's like a blooming soap opera, just as one thing is discovered, something else pops up.

As to whether we will get over our disappointment or disgust, that is a personal matter for each poster. Will the charabanc grind to a halt when CH has all of the story out there, who knows, will it be the end of the story? If the fudge and cider run out, disappointment might be rife. I have asked before if we are taking up space that someone else needs on MN, but apparently not, it seems like there is plenty of room for everyone, isn't that marvellous, the wonders of modern technology :)

DisappointedReader · 12/01/2026 14:11

Nothing to add except that you have taken your disappointment and disgust to a whole new level (22 threads!!!)
I know! Tell me about it.

I hope that you find yourself getting over it soon…
Yes, me too, plus The Observer, Tortoise, the BBC and the many other parties and people who continue to remain interested, but especially the Walker/Wyn/Winns' victims. At least we are all not alone, but thank you Worralorra for caring about us.

OP posts:
DisappointedReader · 12/01/2026 14:27

I’m struggling to remember correctly, but didn’t posts (?) from Gangani / the actual Gangani website mention that other books would be coming soon (after HNTDDD)? Maybe the first manuscript for LSB was intended as the sequel to that, and maybe it had been sketched out in rough (or more) as part of the Gangani output??

@Stoufer is correct. When Saltim were pushing HNTDDD as a house raffle ticket, plans for a second book were mentioned with a Scottish theme. I think we can safely assume it morphed in to Landlines and so from the very beginning TSP was not planned to be her only book (after HNTDDD of course).

I think it came from the Smallholders' forum if anyone has the information already to hand or has time to travel back in the mists of thread time.

OP posts:
PsaltyNotASongBook · 12/01/2026 14:28

Stoufer · 12/01/2026 14:06

I’m struggling to remember correctly, but didn’t posts (?) from Gangani / the actual Gangani website mention that other books would be coming soon (after HNTDDD)? Maybe the first manuscript for LSB was intended as the sequel to that, and maybe it had been sketched out in rough (or more) as part of the Gangani output??

I think I remember that! Wasn’t it about some long-distance walking across the country?

ThisQuirkyRaven · 12/01/2026 14:31

@DisappointedReaderwas it this one from Wales - The Accidental Smallholder share.google/SHwdmWFSDDGu060EX Hello from Wales - The Accidental Smallholder share.google/SHwdmWFSDDGu060EX

DisappointedReader · 12/01/2026 14:38

Thank you @ThisQuirkyRaven - that's it!

Gangani says, on 24 July 2012:
There's a second book that should be released January/ February next year, it takes the story a step further -
3 Mountains and a Ceilidh - it looks back and forwards in a cross-country romp through the UK. I'll let you know when it's released.

Actually, that sounds like a bit more than just Landlines, doesn't it?!

OP posts:
ThisQuirkyRaven · 12/01/2026 14:41

@DisappointedReaderno prob. Tried to join the forum after I saw one of the members downloaded HNTDDD. Error message occured unfortunately so I've emailed to see if that works 🤞🏻

Freshsocks · 12/01/2026 14:46

ThisQuirkyRaven · 12/01/2026 14:41

@DisappointedReaderno prob. Tried to join the forum after I saw one of the members downloaded HNTDDD. Error message occured unfortunately so I've emailed to see if that works 🤞🏻

Good luck @ThisQuirkyRaven it would be fascinating to know more. The word romp, makes it sound like it was a comedy doesn't it?

BeaveringBrandy · 12/01/2026 14:48

DisappointedReader · 12/01/2026 14:38

Thank you @ThisQuirkyRaven - that's it!

Gangani says, on 24 July 2012:
There's a second book that should be released January/ February next year, it takes the story a step further -
3 Mountains and a Ceilidh - it looks back and forwards in a cross-country romp through the UK. I'll let you know when it's released.

Actually, that sounds like a bit more than just Landlines, doesn't it?!

And then they found out she could just keep repeating "all 630 miles ... like ascending Everest x 4"

ThisQuirkyRaven · 12/01/2026 15:02

Has this been shared yet? by @mikeparker.bsky.social — Bluesky share.google/QLkznR6QmUboeEANk Post by @mikeparker.bsky.social — Bluesky share.google/QLkznR6QmUboeEANk

BeaveringBrandy · 12/01/2026 15:16

Well remembered about Gangani's next project @Stoufer

What we know is that they are trying to sell HNTDDD and 3 Mountains and a Ceilidh takes the story a step further

All I know, from The Observer, is that HNTDDD presents a justification for her actions, which we are told were undertaken for the sake of her husband. Although it is not clear how he is helped by her.

RainyTuesdaysAndSunnyWednesdays · 12/01/2026 15:18

Freshsocks · 12/01/2026 14:46

Good luck @ThisQuirkyRaven it would be fascinating to know more. The word romp, makes it sound like it was a comedy doesn't it?

Edited

I did join the forum a few months ago but of the two people who had read the book, one hasn't been online since 2015 and the other's account start and last entry were very similar to the Gangani accounts. I also thought that CH and co would have made contact if possible as it was discussed on here.

DisappointedReader · 12/01/2026 15:21

Good afternoon all. I hope you are all well today.

📯A reminder that Our Chloe's podcast weekly series for The Observer 'The Walkers: The real Salt Path | Tortoise Investigates' begins with Episode 1 tomorrow. I'm loving the podcast artwork, especially the facial expression of the bird!

Search for The Walkers on your podcast platform and follow the feed so that you don't miss an episode, or click on the link below where it is also possible to binge listen to all 7 episodes tomorrow.

The Walkers: The real Salt Path | Tortoise Investigates - Podcast - Apple Podcasts

"Raynor Winn’s memoir The Salt Path was a bestseller and literary phenomenon with millions of people captivated by this true story of financial ruin, terminal illness, and healing through nature. Raynor Winn has since published two more books and The Salt Path has been adapted for the big screen, starring Jason Isaacs and Gillian Anderson.
At its heart it is a simple tale, of a couple embarking on a 630 mile trek in the face of stark adversity. When faced with nothing, they chose to walk.
But when reporter Chloe Hadjimatheou received a tip-off that the memoir may not be the "unflinchingly honest" account it claimed to be, suddenly things began to unravel. And the questions, about what is and isn't true, began mounting.
How far can you bend the truth before it begins to break?
Episode 1 will be available to listen on Tuesday 13th January.
Subscribe to Observer+ on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to binge listen to all 7 episodes on Tuesday 13th January.
To find out more about The Observer:
Subscribe to TheObserver+ on Apple Podcasts for early access and ad-free content. Head to our website observer.co.uk
Reporter - Chloe Hadjimatheou
Producer - Matt Russell
Music supervision and sound design - Karla Patella
Sound design - Rowan Bishop
Podcast artwork - Lola Williams
Executive producer - Jasper Corbett
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information."

The Walkers: The real Salt Path | Tortoise Investigates

The Walkers: The real Salt Path | Tortoise Investigates

Documentary Podcast · Weekly series · Raynor Winn’s memoir The Salt Path was a bestseller and literary phenomenon with millions of people captivated by this true story of financial ruin, terminal illness, and healing through nature. Rayno…

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-walkers-the-real-salt-path-tortoise-investigates/id1590561275

OP posts:
Vroomfondleswaistcoat · 12/01/2026 15:23

Freshsocks · 12/01/2026 14:46

Good luck @ThisQuirkyRaven it would be fascinating to know more. The word romp, makes it sound like it was a comedy doesn't it?

Edited

Oh may all the Fudge Saints preserve us from Sal's attempts at 'comedy'!

DisappointedReader · 12/01/2026 15:40

Vroomfondleswaistcoat · 12/01/2026 15:23

Oh may all the Fudge Saints preserve us from Sal's attempts at 'comedy'!

Edited

And from her attempts at 'sex'. Please, oh blessed Fudge Saints and beseeching all the Cider Saints too, no more Canteen Mars Bar Dipping, Tent Sex, Dripping Swimsuit Sea Emergers and Grant's Masseuses! It's all a bit Carry On Up The Salt Path for me!

OP posts:
DisappointedReader · 12/01/2026 16:03

@ThisQuirkyRaven Some of the links in your last two posts don't work for me. Before clicking on post, click on preview instead. All your links should work if you click on them to check in preview but if not you can correct them at that point before clicking on post.

OP posts:
ThisQuirkyRaven · 12/01/2026 16:32

Again, apologies if this has been gone over before, and I'm aware CH will have seen it but it's all rather fascinating. Attached are screenshots rom the 'about us' section of Gangani Publishing. The companies house documents (easily accessible) clearly show Tim Walker as the director of Gangani, and both TW and SW as shareholders.

Thread 22 : To feel disappointed - and now disgusted too - after reading this in The Observer about the author and her husband from The Salt Path book and film?
Thread 22 : To feel disappointed - and now disgusted too - after reading this in The Observer about the author and her husband from The Salt Path book and film?
Thread 22 : To feel disappointed - and now disgusted too - after reading this in The Observer about the author and her husband from The Salt Path book and film?
Thread 22 : To feel disappointed - and now disgusted too - after reading this in The Observer about the author and her husband from The Salt Path book and film?
Thread 22 : To feel disappointed - and now disgusted too - after reading this in The Observer about the author and her husband from The Salt Path book and film?
LetsBeSensible · 12/01/2026 16:49

Sorry, I’m aware that all matters regarding date of diagnosis for Schrödinger’s Husband are essentially nonsense, but I’m surprised PRH and presumably agent, editor etc were ok with the guy terminally ill with CBD somehow not having a diagnosis in a subsequent book?

Uricon2 · 12/01/2026 17:26

HatStickBoots · 12/01/2026 12:23

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 @OnlyAfterwards @Vroomfondleswaistcoat 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻❤️ thank you for putting all those thoughts into words so perfect!

@Uricon2 are you going to travel along with a band of Minstrels and use coconuts as an invisible horse? I recall King Charles II was the ‘party king’ so I hope there’ll be lots of ghostly excitement on your travels and fanfare. He’s probably a big fan of SM, in particular TikTok, dashing in and out of convenient oak trees and priest holes. Popping up on golf courses.

(Updates planning spreadsheet to add 'minstrels')

I think he was very much like that @HatStickBoots and would even in the ether be up for fun

Actually, Rufus Sewell played him wonderfully in the TV series. I may be getting just a little bit ahead but I might insist on him reprising this in the inevitable film adaptation of this classic travel work. I of course will play myself (possibly dressed as Nell Gwynne) unless Kristin Scott Thomas is free.

@Vroomfondleswaistcoat good poetry suggestions. Who better to contribute original work than....Our Simon! PS Schrodinger's husband wins the thread today, IMO.

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music that you love, upload original content and share it all with friends, family and the world on YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FA5abHKvUBQ

Vroomfondleswaistcoat · 12/01/2026 17:30

@OnlyAfterwards - that's a good point - that by the time the book was taken on it must have been evident that Tim was still alive and functioning, which should have raised questions as to the severity of his illness in the first place!

SimonArmpit · 12/01/2026 17:42

Will anyone be binge watching all 7 of CH's podcasts and be reporting back to those seated expectantly in the charabanc? If so, maybe MN needs to institute a medal for gallantry beyond the call of duty!

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