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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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Seahouses Holiday Home Ownership

Clifftop and Stone Close Holiday Park

Exceptional seafront caravan holiday park in the popular coastal resort of Seahouses.
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Alnwick Glamping

Shepherd's Hut at The Old Rectory

Relax and enjoy the countryside in our self catering Shepherd's Hut. Dine al-fresco in the private bbq and seating area.
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Alnwick Self Catering

The Hall and Stable Cottage at Glanton

An exquisite Georgian country house and 2 bed cottage with one of the finest gardens in Northumberland including maze and croquet lawn. Just 9 miles from Alnwick.
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Chathill Hotel

The Tempus at Charlton Hall Estate

Guide Price £150.00 Per Night
Listed in The Times Top 100 Best Places to Stay in the UK 2024, The Tempus has 33 bedrooms, boutique suites, hot tub rooms and dog friendly accommodation.
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Hexham Holiday Home Ownership

Heathergate Holiday Park

Buy a luxury holiday home at Heathergate Boutique Holiday Park in Hexham an award winning, five star retreat.
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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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Alnmouth Hotel

The Whittling House Hotel

Starting from £150 pp |  Available: Mon 3rd Nov – Thu 18th Dec 2025, Mon 5th Jan – Thu 12 Feb 2026, Mon 23rd Feb – Thu 26th Mar 2026 | Min. 3 nights | Breakfast included

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Matfen Hotel

Matfen Hall Country Hotel, Spa and Golf Estate

Guide Price £199.00 Per Night
Set in the beautiful Northumberland countryside, Matfen Hall Country Hotel is the perfect place to escape away from it all and indulge in ultimate luxury.
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Seahouses Self Catering

Little Hideaways

Little Hideaways is a collection of family-owned holiday properties in the heart of Northumberland.
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Belford Bed & Breakfast

Market Cross Guest House

Guide Price £75.00 Per Night
AA 5-Star Gold B&B. Luxury accommodation and award winning food. Gold Award for best B&B 2023.
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