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St Oswald's Way walking route

Walk St Oswald's Way
Experience the serenity of Holy Island's beaches, be wowed by Warkworth’s castle and hermitage, and discover Northumberland's Roman heritage at Hadrian's Wall. There is something for everyone on the St Oswald's Way walk.

Explore outstanding landscapes

This magnificent route links places associated with its namesake - St Oswald - the King of Northumbria in the early 7th Century. He played a major part in bringing Christianity and peace to his people.

The route follows the stunning Northumberland coast and countryside from Holy Island to Heavenfield and Hadrian’s Wall. You will find castles, coastline, islands, scenic river valleys, hills, attractive villages, forest and farmland - what’s not to love?
 
The walk is a distance of 97 miles (156 km), but not to worry, if you would like to see some of these fantastic sites and are unable to walk this far, a number of shorter walks have been created for you. Go to the official St Oswald's Way website to explore all of the walks.
 
St. Oswald’s Way is divided into six sections from north to south:
 
1. Holy Island to Bamburgh (19 miles / 31 km)
2. Bamburgh to Craster (14 miles / 22 km)
3. Craster to Warkworth (13.5 miles / 21.5 km)
4. Warkworth to Rothbury (18 miles / 29 km)
5. Rothbury to Kirkwhelpington (15 miles / 24 km)
6. Kirkwhelpington to Heavenfield (17.5 miles / 28.5 km)
 
You can, of course, walk the route in different sections or in the opposite direction.

For more detailed information about routes, services, guidebook and obtaining a certificate for completing the route please visit the official St Oswald's Way website.

Stay near St Oswald's Way



Stretching from Holy Island to Heavenfield, you can have your pick of countryside retreats or coastal getaways when basing yourself along this route. Pick a new place every night and hike between holiday homes, or stay in one spot and use it as your base to explore.
 
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Chathill Glamping

Yurts at The Tempus

Our brand-new yurts at The Tempus are officially open and ready to welcome you for the ultimate getaway.
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Alnmouth Hotel

The Whittling House Hotel

An outstanding characterful hotel, featuring comfortable interiors and roaring fires all set back from stunning Alnmouth beach.
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Bamburgh Caravan & Camping

Glororum Caravan Park

Guide Price £30.00 Per Night
Stunning touring and caravan holiday home park gem at beautiful Bamburgh.
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Craster Glamping

Craster Coastal Cabins

Luxury glamping pods on the Northumberland coast on a small family-run farm.
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Alnwick Self Catering

HomeDecor Cottages

Guide Price £580.42 Per week
Stylish, dog-friendly cottages in Seahouses, Chatton, and Alnwick, ideal for solo getaways or family holidays, perfect for pampering your pooches.
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Alnwick Hotel

Bailiffgate Hotel

Set in the heart of Alnwick, Bailiffgate Hotel offers a luxurious yet welcoming retreat amid Northumberland’s breathtaking landscapes.
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Matfen Hotel

Matfen Hall Country Hotel, Spa and Golf Estate

Guide Price £199.00 Per Night

Our 3-night stay allows you to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of our heritage estate.

A Northumbrian à la carte breakfast sets the tone for each day of your radiant springtime escape. And with 3 nights to look forward to, simply relax and enjoy the simple magic of time spent together.

From days spent strolling blossoming gardens, teeing off on parkland courses or relaxing in our sunlit spa to evenings of cocktails, indulgence and award-winning dining –  there’s time to experience everything our magnificent estate has to offer.

Offer includes: 

  • Overnight accommodation for 3 nights
  • Complimentary access to The Retreat

  • À la carte breakfast each morning of your stay

  • Penhaligon’s of London toiletries

  • Early check in and late check out available*

From £670

Offer available on midweek dates. Valid until 1st June 2026

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Blanchland Hotel

Lord Crewe Arms at Blanchland

Guide Price £119.00 Per Night
Set in the midst of the North Pennine Moors, The Lord Crewe Arms is the very epitome of a countryside escape.
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Hexham Self Catering

Chesters Stables

Guide Price £2,572.00 Per week
Nestled in the heart of rural Northumberland, our collection of 7 self-catering Stable Suites, sleeping between 2 and 8 guests, offers the perfect choice for a countryside getaway.
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Alnwick Bed & Breakfast

Old Rectory Howick

Guide Price £125.00 Per Night
Luxury Country House B&B, with private parking only 400 yards from the Northumberland Coast, set in its own grounds.
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