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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
PinkPanther57 · 29/01/2026 18:54

ThompsonTwin · 29/01/2026 18:24

D is bald and, from all accounts, likes an English fry up!

They look like Tim & Sal friendlier stunt doubles. Actors…Extras? There’s a thought.

PinkPanther57 · 29/01/2026 18:56

RueMouffetard · 29/01/2026 15:49

The absence of glumwashing is very conspicuous, I agree -- D and J are the right types, not yompers or too-clean weekend backpackers, and and Dave doesn't have suspiciously soft 'city' hands and Julie doesn't have 'elegant' hair or start talking about highlights.

Though it's never particularly clear why they warm to them so much, as Dave never gets to develop over the three books beyond the Bumper of Book of Northern Cliché, and is given to saying things like 'Just washed our feet at the toilet block. Bloody stink, my feet do', while Julie never appears to say anything much.

Are they ‘extras’ actors? Do people do that for the gram? ‘Hired friends’?

PinkPanther57 · 29/01/2026 19:02

AlertCat · 29/01/2026 18:52

I think the PSPA society had the closest knowledge of the harm done by these two malingering and play-acting CBD, when they (the charity) work with and know real people who are really affected (like John). It doesn’t surprise me that they dropped them like red hot shit; and quite possibly some people at the charity were already suspicious.

As for Dave and Julie, that’s still a mystery to me. Sal obviously likes them, although she does prefer Dave: at one point in one of the books she muses on how many questions Julie, a counsellor, asks, and reflects that she herself would never get on with going to a counsellor for that very reason!

What I can’t understand is how nobody has come forward to identify D&J, nor why OC thinks they would stay loyal- if I discovered a friend of mine had this collection of skeletons rattling around in their cupboard I’m not sure I would have much loyalty left to them. Which makes me wonder whether it was a veiled hint from OC; whether there is some financial benefit to D&J from being matey with Sal and Tim; or whether there is some other sort of relationship. They may no longer be friends and simply like their own privacy (I would) but equally it’s fairly astonishing that not one person who knows who one of them really is has tipped off a single journalist or Mumsnet Sleuth! Not a colleague, a counselling client, a neighbour, a shopkeeper, a friend of their kids… it’s remarkable.

I’d not seen the pub table photo before - it’s quite clear. Someone may identify yet for OC. The pub table does feel a little staged & another. Why only them in photo when x2 (?) others sitting at table. Paid extras post OC putting wind up RayMoth? Along with receipts. Sal is wily.

Freshsocks · 29/01/2026 19:02

Just catching up, lots of interesting posts. I think the charity dropped them @PinkPanther57 because they have experience of these conditions and knew that Tim was suspect. The medical letters provided by Salray do not constitute a diagnosis, Chloe has confirmed this with her neurological experts, anyone with this condition would understand the medical letters. I thought @ThisQuirkyRaven, posed a very interesting question to Chloe, why didn't Salray redact the dates on the letters? Chloe had no explanation other than perhaps Salray believes her own story.

I tried to find Dave and Julie, they must either be actors or very loyal :)

ThompsonTwin · 29/01/2026 19:04

AlertCat · 29/01/2026 18:52

I think the PSPA society had the closest knowledge of the harm done by these two malingering and play-acting CBD, when they (the charity) work with and know real people who are really affected (like John). It doesn’t surprise me that they dropped them like red hot shit; and quite possibly some people at the charity were already suspicious.

As for Dave and Julie, that’s still a mystery to me. Sal obviously likes them, although she does prefer Dave: at one point in one of the books she muses on how many questions Julie, a counsellor, asks, and reflects that she herself would never get on with going to a counsellor for that very reason!

What I can’t understand is how nobody has come forward to identify D&J, nor why OC thinks they would stay loyal- if I discovered a friend of mine had this collection of skeletons rattling around in their cupboard I’m not sure I would have much loyalty left to them. Which makes me wonder whether it was a veiled hint from OC; whether there is some financial benefit to D&J from being matey with Sal and Tim; or whether there is some other sort of relationship. They may no longer be friends and simply like their own privacy (I would) but equally it’s fairly astonishing that not one person who knows who one of them really is has tipped off a single journalist or Mumsnet Sleuth! Not a colleague, a counselling client, a neighbour, a shopkeeper, a friend of their kids… it’s remarkable.

Hmm

  • I'm not sure Julie is a counsellor. She doesn't appear on any database of counsellors and psycotherapists in the area south of Lancaster where Sal locates them
  • neither Dave or Julie appear to have a footprint on social media
  • nobody in the area where Sal locates them, appears to know them!

However, they do exist. Maybe, like Grant, their real professions, location and quirky hobbies/interests have been changed for whatever reason. Even if tracked down, it seems unlikely that they would spill the beans on Sal and Tim.

Maybe they are just good friends and aren't too bothered about the Salt Path media frenzy.

PinkPanther57 · 29/01/2026 19:06

Freshsocks · 29/01/2026 19:02

Just catching up, lots of interesting posts. I think the charity dropped them @PinkPanther57 because they have experience of these conditions and knew that Tim was suspect. The medical letters provided by Salray do not constitute a diagnosis, Chloe has confirmed this with her neurological experts, anyone with this condition would understand the medical letters. I thought @ThisQuirkyRaven, posed a very interesting question to Chloe, why didn't Salray redact the dates on the letters? Chloe had no explanation other than perhaps Salray believes her own story.

I tried to find Dave and Julie, they must either be actors or very loyal :)

It’s odd DJ visible for charity in play for Raymoth & can’t yet be sleuthed elsewhere…

The charity ditch is so damning & should have made PRH & others sit up. They really didn’t give Raymoth benefit of doubt. Why not let them carry on, playing devil’s advocate, if mild case/symptoms of a kind?

PinkPanther57 · 29/01/2026 19:08

ThompsonTwin · 29/01/2026 19:04

Hmm

  • I'm not sure Julie is a counsellor. She doesn't appear on any database of counsellors and psycotherapists in the area south of Lancaster where Sal locates them
  • neither Dave or Julie appear to have a footprint on social media
  • nobody in the area where Sal locates them, appears to know them!

However, they do exist. Maybe, like Grant, their real professions, location and quirky hobbies/interests have been changed for whatever reason. Even if tracked down, it seems unlikely that they would spill the beans on Sal and Tim.

Maybe they are just good friends and aren't too bothered about the Salt Path media frenzy.

Do they have any genuine, long standing, good circle of friends?

Anythingbutheadlands · 29/01/2026 19:11

I was the person who went looking for Julie on all the counsellor directories some months ago - with a bit of help from @Freshsocks - but we concluded she probably isn’t called Julie so it’s really hard to know where to start, short of trawling through thousands of photos and trying to match them!

OneLivelyGreenDeer · 29/01/2026 19:12

Sorry if this has already been flagged but I just saw a Telegraph article dated today saying OWH will be published in spite of the controversy surrounding TSP.

PinkPanther57 · 29/01/2026 19:14

Anythingbutheadlands · 29/01/2026 19:11

I was the person who went looking for Julie on all the counsellor directories some months ago - with a bit of help from @Freshsocks - but we concluded she probably isn’t called Julie so it’s really hard to know where to start, short of trawling through thousands of photos and trying to match them!

Is it likely she’s in the Lincolnshire area do you think?

ThompsonTwin · 29/01/2026 19:20

PinkPanther57 · 29/01/2026 19:02

I’d not seen the pub table photo before - it’s quite clear. Someone may identify yet for OC. The pub table does feel a little staged & another. Why only them in photo when x2 (?) others sitting at table. Paid extras post OC putting wind up RayMoth? Along with receipts. Sal is wily.

D&J + Raymoth

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?
Vroomfondleswaistcoat · 29/01/2026 19:24

Uricon2 · 29/01/2026 18:09

@HatStickBoots I have zero idea of how they did the film publicity and stood on those red carpets, were interviewed on TV with JI and GA etc, fully aware that Our Chloe was conducting a serious investigation. It isn't coolness IMO, either hubris, self delusion or a toxic mix of both.

And they stood there with Moth appearing to be in absolute robust good health. No sign of any walking aids, no random absences for illness - just lapping up the adoration and the publicity. All knowing that someone was investigating them.

And Dave and Julie - any chance they live overseas? France? It might be why they are untraceable, because they aren't in the country.

PinkPanther57 · 29/01/2026 19:25

ThompsonTwin · 29/01/2026 19:20

D&J + Raymoth

Ah! Thank you. Thinking on it don’t they look almost photoshopped in (?)

PinkPanther57 · 29/01/2026 19:26

Vroomfondleswaistcoat · 29/01/2026 19:24

And they stood there with Moth appearing to be in absolute robust good health. No sign of any walking aids, no random absences for illness - just lapping up the adoration and the publicity. All knowing that someone was investigating them.

And Dave and Julie - any chance they live overseas? France? It might be why they are untraceable, because they aren't in the country.

Interesting thought.

Freshsocks · 29/01/2026 19:27

PinkPanther57 · 29/01/2026 19:06

It’s odd DJ visible for charity in play for Raymoth & can’t yet be sleuthed elsewhere…

The charity ditch is so damning & should have made PRH & others sit up. They really didn’t give Raymoth benefit of doubt. Why not let them carry on, playing devil’s advocate, if mild case/symptoms of a kind?

When I emailed the neurological alliance, PSPA are part of the alliance, they told me that though they could not comment on individual people 'We agree the accurate representation of neurological conditions is important, to prevent misunderstanding and stigma, we continue to work with our member organizations and people affected by neurological conditions." they have obligations to their members that they take seriously.

Now I know who you are again @Anythingbutheadlands, I had lost track with all the name changes :)

ThompsonTwin · 29/01/2026 19:28

Vroomfondleswaistcoat · 29/01/2026 19:24

And they stood there with Moth appearing to be in absolute robust good health. No sign of any walking aids, no random absences for illness - just lapping up the adoration and the publicity. All knowing that someone was investigating them.

And Dave and Julie - any chance they live overseas? France? It might be why they are untraceable, because they aren't in the country.

Greasy spoon cafes not the thing in France, so I suspect not!

BeachcombingBrandy · 29/01/2026 19:29

ThompsonTwin · 29/01/2026 19:20

D&J + Raymoth

Their real names are needed. We know that!

HatStickBoots · 29/01/2026 19:31

Gosh, photos!
So true @Vroomfondleswaistcoat about Tim’s lack of walking aid etc He’s got perfect control of his entire body. It’s absolutely amazing what long walks pretending to be terminally ill for a huge profit can do for your health!

Vroomfondleswaistcoat · 29/01/2026 19:32

ThompsonTwin · 29/01/2026 19:28

Greasy spoon cafes not the thing in France, so I suspect not!

I didn't mean that picture was taken in France but might Dave and Julie's main residence be in France? Or some other overseas location? They might come over on holiday and meet up with Sal and Tim for a bit of walking and then head back. It might explain why they seem so unfindable now, because everyone is looking in this country. If they have retired and gone to live in Spain or France (I only say France because of Sal and Tim's already established links), this would make them harder to find.

PinkPanther57 · 29/01/2026 19:33

Vroomfondleswaistcoat · 29/01/2026 19:32

I didn't mean that picture was taken in France but might Dave and Julie's main residence be in France? Or some other overseas location? They might come over on holiday and meet up with Sal and Tim for a bit of walking and then head back. It might explain why they seem so unfindable now, because everyone is looking in this country. If they have retired and gone to live in Spain or France (I only say France because of Sal and Tim's already established links), this would make them harder to find.

Could be. My hunch is they are not very close pals.

HatStickBoots · 29/01/2026 19:38

Good point. They may live abroad…
I wonder if Sally knew Julie professionally beforehand, maybe having counselling and therapy after all her thefts etc In that capacity Julie is less likely to judge.. 🤷🏼‍♀️

RueMouffetard · 29/01/2026 19:43

Uricon2 · 29/01/2026 18:09

@HatStickBoots I have zero idea of how they did the film publicity and stood on those red carpets, were interviewed on TV with JI and GA etc, fully aware that Our Chloe was conducting a serious investigation. It isn't coolness IMO, either hubris, self delusion or a toxic mix of both.

I suppose if you’ve faced down an outraged sister, a heartbroken mother, and baffled, angry, upset ILs, and persuaded everyone not to go to the police, having already been questioned by police for a previous crime, skipped bail, and talked a relative of your husband’s into buying the silence of employer from whom you embezzled — then chatshows and the red carpet are a breeze.

Apart from anything else, they’re dealing with people who have no reason to suspect they’re anything other than the adorable, mutually-devoted free spirits they purport to be.

I mean, if you have the gall to stay for eighteen months at the farm of the niece who knows you emptied her grandmother’s bank account and is still prepared to house you, while she’s trying to run a farm solo, bring up three children, and deal with her husband’s recovery from a brain injury, and you don’t bother to help out, get a job, show up to the job she got you, declare bankruptcy or do any of the getting your life back on track stuff, have to be thrown out eventually, and then depict that niece as a money-grabbing, insensitive slave-driver in your memoir, I suppose you’re pretty brass-necked!

ThompsonTwin · 29/01/2026 19:44

PinkPanther57 · 29/01/2026 19:33

Could be. My hunch is they are not very close pals.

I think the evidence suggests otherwise

  • D&J contributed to Moth's 2023 London Marathon walk via his JustGiving page
  • D&J contributed to Moth's 2024 Thames Path PSPA Awareness walk via his JustGiving page
  • went on a 14 day trip to Iceland with Raymoth as featured in TWS
  • accommodated Raymoth x 2 during their LL walk and also walked with them for 2 weeks on the PW
  • attended a Cicerone talk given by Sal at the Kendal Mountain Festival with PD in 2021
Uricon2 · 29/01/2026 19:45

Last picture posted (thanks) Timoth's hair is really, really annoying me now. I'm reminded of my poor DBro who due to genetics started to go bald in his 20's (like so many ancestors) attempting a Beckham fin and then giving up and shaving.

Timoth, vertical hair will is not a permanent solution.

PinkPanther57 · 29/01/2026 19:48

ThompsonTwin · 29/01/2026 19:44

I think the evidence suggests otherwise

  • D&J contributed to Moth's 2023 London Marathon walk via his JustGiving page
  • D&J contributed to Moth's 2024 Thames Path PSPA Awareness walk via his JustGiving page
  • went on a 14 day trip to Iceland with Raymoth as featured in TWS
  • accommodated Raymoth x 2 during their LL walk and also walked with them for 2 weeks on the PW
  • attended a Cicerone talk given by Sal at the Kendal Mountain Festival with PD in 2021

Ah I take it back, thanks. They seem like such a self contained, insular couple. These may be their closest friends hence OC feeling they’d be loyal.

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