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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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Wark Self Catering

Warksburn Old Church

Luxury Net Zero holiday accommodation in a spectacular renovated church three miles from Hadrian's Wall. World’s first Passivhaus church conversion.
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Self Catering

Emblestone View

Converted period farm building with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and direct beach views.
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Chathill Hotel

The Tempus

Guide Price £150.00 Per Night
VisitEngland Small Hotel of the Year 2026, and listed in The Times Top 100 Best Places to Stay in the UK 2024. The Tempus has 48 bedrooms, boutique suites and dog-friendly accommodation.
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Alnwick Self Catering

Breamish Valley Cottages

Guide Price £490.00 Per week
Breamish Valley Cottages presents award-winning luxury self-catering holiday cottages near Alnwick in Northumberland, where spectacular comfort and elegance is complemented by a superb indoor heated swimming pool, spa, sauna, steam room, tennis court, games room and gym.
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Blanchland Hotel

The Derwent Arms

The Derwent Arms in Edmundbyers lies amongst stunning countryside, bordering both County Durham and Northumberland.
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Belford Bed & Breakfast

Lucker Mill House B&B

Guide Price £100.00 Per Night
A beautifully renovated B&B and hand crafted Shepherd Huts situated close to the picturesque Northumberland coast. Offering a quiet comfortable B&B with a contemporary twist.
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Beadnell Hotel

Beadnell Towers & Kitchen

Guide Price £115.00 Per Night
Luxurious, boutique hotel and restaurant in the tranquil village of Beadnell on the Northumberland Coast. Dog friendly, accessible, families welcome.
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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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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

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

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