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Thread 24 : To feel disappointed - and now disgusted and vindicated too - after reading this in The Observer about the author and her husband from The Salt Path book and film?

1000 replies

DisappointedReader · 22/01/2026 19:22

NO POSTS PLEASE UNTIL THREAD 23 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?
Thread 22:www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/5470952-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 23:www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/5475246-thread-23-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. For over 6 months we have done amazingly well together for 23 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 23,000 posts there are still new things to look out for on the path:

  • Podcast series (7 episodes) from The Observer's award-winning Investigative Journalist Chloe Hadjimatheou (and including a shoutout to our threads), 13th January 2026:
The Walkers: The real Salt Path | The Observer
  • The Observer, 18th January 2026:
The Salt Path scandal: a hunch, a hint and six months of ... and Publishers agree The Salt Path crossed a line | The Observer
  • BBC Podcast, 28th January 2026 (to be confirmed)

Please start each post with the podcast episode you are commenting on, for clarity and to help others avoid spoilers if they wish to do so. Many thanks.

After listening to of The Walkers: The real Salt Path podcast episodes from The Observer my thoughts are even more with the victims. I also believe that the publishers, agent and prizegivers must now act and be seen to act.

As always, keep to the path, no saltiness, eat fudge and drink cider.

NO POSTS PLEASE UNTIL THREAD 23 IS FULL

OP posts:
Thread gallery
54
Vroomfondleswaistcoat · 23/01/2026 14:16

I have posted my question for Chloe - I think all my fellow charabanceers can take a wild guess at what I really want to know! I am dangerously predictable.

DisappointedReader · 23/01/2026 14:18

Yes, you will be able to read it afterwards @OneThousandThreads and I will probably be joining you!

OP posts:
WynkenDeWorde · 23/01/2026 14:21

Thedownwardspiralpath · 23/01/2026 14:12

A little rude don’t you think.

No, I don’t think that. I’m enjoying the podcast very much and I applaud the immense amount of work she’s done. As a listener I just find her way of saying those particular words to be a bit jarring. Just my opinion 🤷‍♀️

Fandango52 · 23/01/2026 14:23

Thedownwardspiralpath · 23/01/2026 14:12

A little rude don’t you think.

What is a little rude?

DisappointedReader · 23/01/2026 14:34

Vroomfondleswaistcoat · 23/01/2026 14:16

I have posted my question for Chloe - I think all my fellow charabanceers can take a wild guess at what I really want to know! I am dangerously predictable.

A VIQ (Very Important Question) Vroom.

I might hold off asking a question and then see if there are any VIQ gaps by Wednesday.

OP posts:
HatStickBoots · 23/01/2026 14:34

Vroomfondleswaistcoat · 23/01/2026 14:12

Interesting that she uses 'gone to earth', because that's the term for what foxes do when the hounds are right on their tail....

Yes. I do hate it when she compares herself to a wild animal of any kind. She does this throughout her books, hoping to convey a sense of being persecuted and victimised. It really is all topsy turvy and should be turned around to reveal the truth.

BeachcombingBrandy · 23/01/2026 14:37

DisappointedReader · 23/01/2026 14:34

A VIQ (Very Important Question) Vroom.

I might hold off asking a question and then see if there are any VIQ gaps by Wednesday.

The current last one is an interesting one ... maybe the milk of ...

Freshsocks · 23/01/2026 14:53

DisappointedReader · 23/01/2026 14:34

A VIQ (Very Important Question) Vroom.

I might hold off asking a question and then see if there are any VIQ gaps by Wednesday.

Exciting development @DisappointedReader, so we all get to ask Chloe one question, it feels like the episode of The Simpsons, when Homer and Apu travel to India to find the 'Guru of the Kwik-E-Mart', only they can ask three questions :)

DisappointedReader · 23/01/2026 14:55

BeachcombingBrandy · 23/01/2026 14:37

The current last one is an interesting one ... maybe the milk of ...

I wondered that too, although I suppose you could read it both ways - from a blinkered fan/one of the Walkers' small camp or from someone like us who doesn't want to buy it but does want to discuss it and see what Salray's got the brass neck to say next? There are no posts on our threads under that username although it looks like a very recent name change. I was tempted to quote it to clarify 'if it gets published' but AMA is a thread just for posting questions to Chloe rather than commenting.

OP posts:
RueMouffetard · 23/01/2026 15:59

Regular from previous threads climbing aboard again after a NC.

I have just stared at the CH AMA thread like someone in a fairytale who is granted a single wish by a genie and doesn't want to mess it up.

LetsBeSensible · 23/01/2026 16:05

mumofoneAloneandwell · 22/01/2026 21:44

Girls, what’s going on here that’s you all talking for 24 threads? 😂😂😂😂😂

The Observer has a piece on us due out Sunday

mumofoneAloneandwell · 23/01/2026 16:08

LetsBeSensible · 23/01/2026 16:05

The Observer has a piece on us due out Sunday

I’ll have to take a look 👀👀 x

LetsBeSensible · 23/01/2026 16:09

JamesClyman · 22/01/2026 20:00

Why is this such an issue? She wrote a book. Turns out it was not 100% truthful.

Who cares?

The Observer have an interview on these threads due out Sunday; they also used them in their Sky documentary last month, the Observer 7 part podcast started a few weeks ago and the BBC are releasing a podcast next week.

perhaps go and ask Sky documentaries, Tortoise Media and the BBC your tedious “question”.

my answer - who cares about your opinion?

DisappointedReader · 23/01/2026 16:33

Good afternoon everyone. I hope you are well today. A warm welcome aboard our new thread as we all gradually begin to disembark from the trusty, wind-buffeted charabanc. Many thanks to @BewilderingBrandy for the weather report and for guiding everyone in the right direction this morning, and also to @YourMoneyforFrothingandYourChipsforFree. I know I always advise in my OPs not to engage with any fleas but, at the same time, I do appreciate the posters defending our 24 threads and friendly, interesting community we have established over the last six and a half months.

As promised we have the Mumsnet AMA thread with Our Chloe to look forward to on Wednesday 28th January, 7-9pm. Apologies that the firm details came in too late to include it in the OP. Although 2 hours is a good amount of time, it might be helpful to read the questions already posted before posting yours so that we avoid duplication and get in as many of our most pressing VIQs (Very Important Questions) as possible. Remember we are asked to only post one question each and we want to make the most of the time and opportunity. If there's any time at the end there should be the chance for any extra or follow on questions to be asked. I don't think I'm going to be able to be present at the time, so I'm counting on you all to give Our Chloe a friendly, very good grilling!
www.mumsnet.com/talk/AMA/5480174-mnhq-here-ama-with-award-winning-investigative-journalist-chloe-hadjimatheou-weds-28th-jan-7-9pm

Sincere apologies if I unintentionally ruffled any seabird feathers steadying the source discussion yesterday. My attention was drawn to it by concerned posters. My steadying was not directed at any individual or individuals. I didn't intend to imply any criticism as I thought the discussion was absolutely fine. My only concern was that it didn't go further to stray in to more choppy waters, hence the steadying. It's a fine and sometimes difficult balance to maintain and opinions will vary from time to time, but I think we all do a pretty good job here, as evidenced by the fact that our over 23,000 posts have needed very light touch moderation indeed. I appreciate very much the courtesy and restraint shown by everyone during the past six and a half months of our lively and robust but reasonable discussion. Thank you all.

Very windy here again.. Had the charabanc got a roof?
It did have @HatStickBoots , it did have. Alas these plastic rain bonnets and balaclavas are now the best I can do for the fine women and men of the charabanc.

Thread 24 : To feel disappointed - and now disgusted and vindicated too - after reading this in The Observer about the author and her husband from The Salt Path book and film?
Thread 24 : To feel disappointed - and now disgusted and vindicated too - after reading this in The Observer about the author and her husband from The Salt Path book and film?
OP posts:
Freshsocks · 23/01/2026 16:38

mumofoneAloneandwell · 23/01/2026 16:08

I’ll have to take a look 👀👀 x

We've been spilling the T :)

AlertCat · 23/01/2026 17:11

mumofoneAloneandwell · 22/01/2026 21:44

Girls, what’s going on here that’s you all talking for 24 threads? 😂😂😂😂😂

It’s never to late to join in 😎

HatStickBoots · 23/01/2026 17:15

As usual my mind goes blank when I need to ask a question!

RueMouffetard · 23/01/2026 17:17

mumofoneAloneandwell · 22/01/2026 21:44

Girls, what’s going on here that’s you all talking for 24 threads? 😂😂😂😂😂

The Salt Path stuff is all a cover. We're actually ceremonially taking magic mushrooms and having a vivid mass hallucination about tripping on a charabanc stuffed full of grim-faced, slightly drunk, fudge-munching sleuths in serious hats. (Apart from the ones wearing rain balaclavas.)

Vroomfondleswaistcoat · 23/01/2026 17:21

RueMouffetard · 23/01/2026 17:17

The Salt Path stuff is all a cover. We're actually ceremonially taking magic mushrooms and having a vivid mass hallucination about tripping on a charabanc stuffed full of grim-faced, slightly drunk, fudge-munching sleuths in serious hats. (Apart from the ones wearing rain balaclavas.)

I declined the official balaclava and put one of the buckets on my head. It's a little noisy, but I'm fine.

RueMouffetard · 23/01/2026 17:29

Vroomfondleswaistcoat · 23/01/2026 17:21

I declined the official balaclava and put one of the buckets on my head. It's a little noisy, but I'm fine.

You're just tin-hatting against the siren song of SW doing her come-hither whispery Gigspanner voice and targetting you through the ether. Like subliminal advertising.

STRETCHING MY ARMS WIDE
I FEEL THE COASTLINE STRETCHING MY SOUL
THROUGH THE GREY LIGHT OF MORNING
MY EXHALED BREATH BECOMES THE WIND
AS DO I

(Actual quotation. I watched a Youtube video. Never say I don't suffer for my sleuthing.)

YourMoneyforFrothingandYourChipsforFree · 23/01/2026 17:35

Moth in 2022 said:

She has to wake me up each morning, as I can sleep for 12 hours or more.

https://archive.ph/qK8uj

Only, from what I can find, insomnia is a common symptom of CBD. If anything, Tim should be sleeping less not more.

BeachcombingBrandy · 23/01/2026 17:39

RueMouffetard · 23/01/2026 17:29

You're just tin-hatting against the siren song of SW doing her come-hither whispery Gigspanner voice and targetting you through the ether. Like subliminal advertising.

STRETCHING MY ARMS WIDE
I FEEL THE COASTLINE STRETCHING MY SOUL
THROUGH THE GREY LIGHT OF MORNING
MY EXHALED BREATH BECOMES THE WIND
AS DO I

(Actual quotation. I watched a Youtube video. Never say I don't suffer for my sleuthing.)

(I think you were a small, yellow flower once). By a strange coincidence I have just found out that the female band member, with the beautiful voice, sings the song that she wrote - inspired by TSP - Hannah Martin, The Salt Song. Now I understand the devastation of people who loved the book - it sounds so beautiful. I learned this from another poster who shared this morning @YourMoneyforFrothingandYourChipsforFree (whose name just appeared!).:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001n25r

BBC Radio 3 - Private Passions, Raynor Winn

Michael Berkeley's guest is writer Raynor Winn.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001n25r

Vroomfondleswaistcoat · 23/01/2026 17:52

YourMoneyforFrothingandYourChipsforFree · 23/01/2026 17:35

Moth in 2022 said:

She has to wake me up each morning, as I can sleep for 12 hours or more.

https://archive.ph/qK8uj

Only, from what I can find, insomnia is a common symptom of CBD. If anything, Tim should be sleeping less not more.

Again, I can easily sleep for more than 12 hours. No health problems at all, I just really like my sleep. I think they are groping for symptoms again - like the stiffness, memory problems, bladder problems, it all seems to stem from normal ageing and they just talk it all up.

Which makes it even more remarkable that he managed to do the London Marathon at all...

ThompsonTwin · 23/01/2026 17:57

I am loving some of the questions on the Chloe Q&A section. Damp squid's revenge?

BeachcombingBrandy · 23/01/2026 17:59

ThompsonTwin · 23/01/2026 17:57

I am loving some of the questions on the Chloe Q&A section. Damp squid's revenge?

Yes, some people who have never posted obviously see it as their opportunity!

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