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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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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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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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Self Catering

Emblestone View

Converted period farm building with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and direct beach views.
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Seahouses Holiday Home Ownership

Clifftop and Stone Close Holiday Park

Exceptional seafront caravan holiday park in the popular coastal resort of Seahouses.
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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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Embleton Self Catering

Whinstone Cottage

A quirky and characterful period cottage, with direct rural views down to the sea at Embleton beach.
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Belford Caravan & Camping

South Meadows Caravan Park

Guide Price £21.00 Per Night
South Meadows is a premier touring & campervan park near the coast in beautiful North Northumberland.
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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.
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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

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Craster Self Catering

Coast and Country Northumberland

Water’s Edge is a spectacularly located, contemporary beachfront cottage in Craster, offering direct access to the North Northumberland Heritage Coast.

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