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.
 
Hero Sponsored
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.
Trip Advisor Rating
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.
Oystercatcher 4 Sponsored
Seahouses Self Catering

Little Hideaways

Little Hideaways is a collection of family-owned holiday properties in the heart of Northumberland.
Emblestone View Hero Sponsored
Self Catering

Emblestone View

Converted period farm building with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and direct beach views.
red-room-market-cross Sponsored
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.
Trip Advisor Rating
Bailiffgate Hotel Hero Sponsored
Alnwick Hotel

Bailiffgate Hotel

Set in the heart of Alnwick, Bailiffgate Hotel offers a luxurious yet welcoming retreat amid Northumberland’s breathtaking landscapes.
Brunton House Ext Sponsored
Embleton Self Catering

Brunton House and Cottages

Guide Price £623.00 Per week
Enjoy a 5 Star Gold self-catering cottage holiday at Brunton House and Holiday Cottages on a famous Northumberland country estate.
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.
vn-large-The-Porthole-Front-garden.jpg Sponsored
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.
vn-large-Amazing-panoramic-views-.jpeg Sponsored
Seahouses Holiday Home Ownership

Clifftop and Stone Close Holiday Park

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

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.