The Walkers: The real Salt Path | Tortoise Investigates
The Observer
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.Subscribe to The Observer today and get access to:Our podcasts before anyone elseA daily edition, curated by our editors 7 days a weekPuzzles from the inventors of the cryptic crosswordRecipes for every occasionFree tickets to join Observer events in our newsroom or onlineClick here to subscribe today for just £1 for your first month.Reporter - Chloe HadjimatheouProducer - Matt RussellMusic supervision and sound design - Karla PatellaSound design - Rowan BishopPodcast artwork - Lola Williams Executive producer - Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 20, 2026 • 43min
Cider at Haye | The Walkers Ep3
Ruth Saberton, an author and neighbor of Hay Farm, shares her firsthand experiences with the Walkers, revealing their friendly interactions and intriguing community dynamics. Bill Cole, Hay Farm's owner, discusses hosting the Walkers and the emotional turmoil of their abrupt departure. He reflects on the contrast between their public success and private struggles, and the tension that developed over cider-making. Together, they question the narrative built around the Walkers, exploring the implications of portraying walking as a miracle cure for serious illness.
Jan 13, 2026 • 36min
On the path | The Walkers Ep2
Questions arise around the authenticity of 'The Salt Path' as Chloe Hadjimatheou investigates. Online sleuths dissect the memoir, revealing intriguing discrepancies. An amateur detective uses photos to challenge timelines. Eyewitnesses dispute key anecdotes, while a cafe staff recounts a dramatic scene that never happened. Contradictory social media posts suggest the timelines were altered, raising doubts about the narrative's consistency. Chloe also reviews the author's defense, wrapping up a compelling inquiry into truth and storytelling.
Jan 13, 2026 • 41min
The Missing Money | The Walkers Ep1
Ros Hemmings, a local resident with deep ties to the Walkers, shares her firsthand accounts from the scandal that gripped their small Welsh village. She reveals how Sally Walker's quiet demeanor masked alarming secrets, including the stunning disappearance of £64,000 from accounts. Local witnesses, Janice and Debbie, discuss the community's betrayal and emotional confusion as the true story behind Raynor Winn's bestselling memoir unfolds, altering their perception of the Walkers and challenging the narrative of sympathy that emerged.
Jan 7, 2026 • 3min
Introducing... The Walkers: The real Salt Path
Explore the intriguing story of Raynor Winn's memoir and its massive impact on readers globally. Dive into the surprising allegations questioning the truth behind her claims of hardship and healing through nature. Listen as the reporter uncovers a tip-off about the author's identity, the emotional responses of fans, and the controversies surrounding the memoir's authenticity. With a film adaptation on the horizon, the tension between reality and storytelling only grows. What happens when a narrative's truth is put under the microscope?
6 snips
Dec 16, 2025 • 39min
In good faith | Deep Water Ep6
Lydia Gard interviews Vitomir Maričić, a Croatian freediver caught in a scandal regarding drugs and safety in the sport. Vitomir shares his journey in freediving and how he's modernized training methods. They discuss the balancing act between competition safety and making the sport more appealing for viewers. Vitomir confronts allegations of doping, claiming misunderstandings and emphasizing the need for clear medical protocols. Lydia's investigation seeks to spotlight both sides of the saga and the broader implications for the freediving community.
18 snips
Dec 9, 2025 • 29min
Click Bait | Deep Water Ep5
Sam Zenifu, a Greek pool and depth diver, shares his concerns about a viral freediving video that glorifies dangerous behavior, prompting critical community reactions. Fernando Bezo Silva, an emergency doctor specializing in lung injuries, provides insights into the medical risks of lung squeezes and the frequency of blackouts during elite competitions. They discuss the complex issues of doping in the sport, the impact of social media on influencer behavior, and the need for more research on the long-term effects of these risks.
15 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 27min
Don’t hold your breath | Deep Water Ep4
In a compelling discussion, Boris Spajic, a former Croatian freediver and national team coach, reveals insights into the culture of freediving and the role of money and professionalism in ethical choices. Travis Tygart, CEO of the US Anti-Doping Agency, offers a deep dive into doping enforcement and the complexities of defining what constitutes doping. Together, they explore the systemic issues of corruption, the moral dilemmas faced by athletes, and the challenges of policing small sports, highlighting the urgent need for cultural change to protect athletes.
24 snips
Nov 25, 2025 • 31min
In the bag | Deep Water Ep3
William Trubridge, a New Zealand freediving world-record holder and organizer of the Vertical Blue competition, shares his pivotal role in the 2023 doping scandal. He dives into the controversial decision to search athletes’ luggage, revealing shocking finds of pharmaceuticals and benzodiazepines. Trubridge faces accusations of bias while grappling with the intense atmosphere during the investigation. The fallout leads to mixed reactions within the freediving community, alongside concerns of safety when sedatives are involved in extreme diving.
19 snips
Nov 18, 2025 • 26min
Fair Play | Deep Water Ep2
Lydia dives deep into the world of freediving in Kalamata, Greece, while investigating doping allegations. She uncovers rumors about record-breaking performances and examines the use of benzodiazepines in the sport. The podcast reveals the risks of using sedatives underwater and raises concerns about safety as the sport grows. Divers express fears about the normalization of experimental substances and the tensions brewing in their closely-knit community. The atmosphere thickens with the promise of a dramatic confrontation in the future.
18 snips
Nov 18, 2025 • 26min
Depth Wish | Deep Water Ep1
In this discussion, elite freediver Gary McGrath and world-record holder Dave Mellor share insights into the exhilarating yet controversial world of freediving. Gary reveals the allure of Dean's Blue Hole and the sensory experience of deep dives. Both guests confront the troubling doping rumors that have shaken the community, detailing the emotional upheaval among divers. They also explore the tension between competition and the sport's spiritual roots, emphasizing the ongoing struggles for integrity and unity in freediving.
