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.

Bamburgh

A pristine beach, drifting sand dunes, snug eateries tucked away on street corners, and a magnificent castle view everywhere you turn. These are just a few of Bamburgh’s draws, not to mention its coastal setting in the county's AONB.

Warkworth

A high street framed by a 12th-century church and a magnificent castle, artisan shops, and incredible views, it's no wonder why this ancient village is a must-see. Warkworth is small, but it contains a wealth of history just waiting to be discovered.

Craster

The famous smoked kippers popular with the Royal Family, the ruins of what was once a magnificent fortress, local art, a tranquil cove, and bird spotting are just a few of the things that will make your visit to Craster so memorable.

Rothbury

Located in the heart of Northumberland, surrounded by beautiful scenery and rare wildlife, with a bustling high street and regular events programme, there is no doubt why Rothbury appeals to everyone.

Four legged friends enjoying Holy Island

The Holy Island of Lindisfarne

This mysterious tidal island off Northumberland’s coast becomes inaccessible when the tide washes over its causeway. When it’s safe to cross the causeway, expect to find charming cafes, an ancient priory, and a castle that teeters on the coastline.

Walking Hadrian's Wall

Follow in the footsteps of Romans with our walking routes, and see the best parts of Hadrian’s Wall. Visit Sycamore Gap and picture-perfect countryside, enjoy the views from the top of Steel Rigg and Housesteads.

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.

Bamburgh Accommodation

Budle Bay Bothies

Two Shakes - dog-friendly coastal, farm-stay glamping without compromise on the Northumberland England Coast Path! Book now https://budlebaycroft.co.uk/availability#availjump

Guide Price £100.00 Per Night

Bamburgh Self Catering

Budle Bay Croft

Budle Bay Croft - “Luxurious serenity with bags to do on an utterly magical“ coastal small holding.

Guide Price £840.00 Per week

Craster Self Catering

St Cuthbert

Small but perfectly formed, this stylish barn conversion is the perfect couples retreat set in the peaceful, glorious Northumberland countryside.

Guide Price £448.00 Per week

Craster Self Catering

Hemmel House

New this season - Three en suite bedrooms plus rural views towards the sea and Dunstanburgh Castle on the horizon.

Guide Price £833.00 Per week

Craster Self Catering

The Old Mill, Craster

The converted old mill cottage, in an acre of private grounds, is ideal for friends gatherings and multi-generational holidays.

Guide Price £2,702.00 Per week

Craster Self Catering

Dunstan Hall

A Grade II* listed Country Hall, sleeping 18, it’s the perfect large house for family celebrations or community groups.

Guide Price £2,506.00 Per week

Craster Self Catering

St Bede

St Bede is a romantic, rural retreat for couples wanting to get away from it all.

Guide Price £567.00 Per week

Holy Island Inn

The Lindisfarne Inn

The nearest mainland inn to Holy Island, The Lindisfarne Inn is open all day for food, drinks, and cosy accommodation.

Craster Self Catering

Coast And Country Northumberland

Five luxurious, self-catering cottages accommodating 2-14 guests, situated in, or within 2.5 miles of Craster in the Northumberland AONB.

Bamburgh Caravan & Camping

Glororum Caravan Park

The closest touring and caravan holiday park to magnificent Bamburgh, Glororum is a hidden gem. Just a few minutes drive from Bamburgh village with its shops, cafes and restaurants and miles of empty beaches, this beautifully maintained park has everything you need to enjoy your touring holiday or to have your very own caravan holiday home in sought after Bamburgh.

Guide Price £25.00 Per Night

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St Oswald's Way walking route

Explore outstanding landscapes

Bamburgh

Warkworth

Craster

Rothbury

The Holy Island of Lindisfarne

Walking Hadrian's Wall