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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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Chathill Self Catering

Doxford Cottages

Warm and welcoming luxury holiday cottages in Northumberland.
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Bamburgh Hotels

The Sunningdale Hotel

Stay at The Sunningdale, Dine at The Potted Lobster.  Starting from £200 for 2 people.  Rates based on 2 people sharing.  Includes breakfast and £40 dinner credit per person, applicable on food purchases only.

Dates available:
Sat 1st Nov 2025 - Tue 31 Mar 2026

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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

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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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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Alnwick Self Catering

Village Farm Cottages & Spa

Guide Price £1,000.00 Per week
We are a family run business which provides great family holidays, as well as "get away from it all breaks" for all ages and have 30 years of experience on which to call when we welcome you to Village Farm.
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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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Hexham Hotel

Battlesteads

Guide Price £70.00 Per Night
An 18thC Inn, formerly a farmhouse, in the heart of rural Northumberland close to the Roman Wall, Kielder Water and North Tyne Valley.
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Beadnell Self Catering

3 Cherry Tree

Guide Price £329.00 Per week
A luxury one bedroom first floor dog friendly self-catering holiday home, the perfect coastal escape for couples in Beadnell.
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North East Escapes

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

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