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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.
 
Hemmel House Hero 2026 Sponsored
Craster Self Catering

Hemmel House

Guide Price £833.00 Per week
Three en suite bedrooms plus rural views towards the sea and Dunstanburgh Castle on the horizon.
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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.
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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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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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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.
 

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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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Lowick Self Catering

Laverock Law Cottages & Glamping

Tranquil location, fantastic nature lovers paradise, close Northumbrian coast and Holy Island, log fires, gardens, campfire, homely green holiday destination.
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Chathill Glamping

Yurts at The Tempus

Our brand-new yurts at The Tempus are officially open and ready to welcome you for the ultimate getaway.
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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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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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