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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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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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Beal Self Catering

Fenwick Granary Farm

Thoughtfully restored accommodations, blending historic features with modern conveniences.
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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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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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Warkworth Hotel

Warkworth House Hotel

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque village of Warkworth, Warkworth House Hotel is a welcoming, stylish family run 3 star hotel which forms the perfect base for exploring the coast and the area's famous castles, beaches and golf courses.
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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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Seahouses Hotel

Beach House Hotel

Guide Price £148.00 Per Night
Located in the busy fishing port of Seahouses making it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the nearby attractions.
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Chathill Self Catering

Doxford Cottages

Warm and welcoming luxury holiday cottages in Northumberland.
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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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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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