Walking-St-Oswalds-Way-HERO-credit-Northumberland-Coast-AONB

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.
 
Coastguard Cottge Hero Sponsored
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.
Tern Cottage Sponsored
Seahouses Self Catering

Little Hideaways

Tern Cottage: 28 April - 3 nights / 8 May 3 nights | Guillemot: 4 May - 22nd May / 3,4 and 7 night stays | Oystercatcher Cottage: 8 May - 25 May / 3,4 and 7 night stays.

Beach And Quiet Stable Cottage Living Room Sponsored
Craster Self Catering

Stable Cottage

Guide Price £448.00 Per week
Converted Georgian stables with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, vaulted reception room and direct rural views.
Fire Place Sponsored
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.
20241217-Hero-image Sponsored
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

Trip Advisor Rating
Drone Sponsored
Embleton Self Catering

Whinstone Cottage

A quirky and characterful period cottage, with direct rural views down to the sea at Embleton beach.
Hero_3 Sponsored
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.
Hero_2 Sponsored
Embleton Self Catering

Primrose Cottage

The Cottage is perfect for beach lovers, nature and bird watchers, golfers, walkers and experienced paddle boarders and surfers.
Front_3.jpg Sponsored
Bamburgh Hotels

The Sunningdale Hotel

The Sunningdale, Bamburgh offers 20 beautifully appointed rooms, perfect for relaxing and recharging after exploring Northumberland’s stunning coastline.
Tempus-Boutique-room Sponsored
Chathill Hotel

The Tempus at Charlton Hall Estate

Guide Price £150.00 Per Night

Book direct to receive a welcome cocktail and free room upgrade on
4th, 5th, 6th, 11th, 12th or 17th May. 

Stay in the know

Subscribe to our newsletter for seasonal highlights, must-see events, and insider tips. Get regular updates on the best things to do, see and experience in England’s most magical county.