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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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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 Hotels

The Sunningdale Hotel

The Sunningdale, Bamburgh offers 20 beautifully appointed rooms, perfect for relaxing and recharging after exploring Northumberland’s stunning coastline.
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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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Northumberland Self Catering Agency

North East Escapes

North East Escapes is a locally owned, locally managed holiday home management agency in North East England.
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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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Craster Self Catering

Dunstan Hall

Guide Price £2,506.00 Per week
A Grade II* listed Country Hall, sleeping 18, it’s the perfect large house for family celebrations or community groups.
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Embleton Self Catering Agency

Beach and Quiet

Guide Price £833.00 Per week
Properties close to the historic Craster harbour & iconic Dunstanburgh Castle or set in the heart of Embleton village, ½ mile from Embleton bay.
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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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Craster Self Catering

Coastguard Cottage / The Coastguard's Snug

Situated in the beautiful fishing village of Craster, this gorgeous four-bedroom cottage is a great base for up to eight people.
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Craster Self Catering

The Porthole

Guide Price £1,302.00 Per week
A traditional fisherman's cottage situated in the pretty seaside Craster village, a very short walk from the picturesque harbour.

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