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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

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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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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Chathill Hotel

The Tempus

Guide Price £150.00 Per Night
VisitEngland Small Hotel of the Year 2026, and listed in The Times Top 100 Best Places to Stay in the UK 2024. The Tempus has 48 bedrooms, boutique suites and dog-friendly accommodation.
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Beal Self Catering

Fenwick Granary Farm

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

Hadrian's Hotel

Set in the heart of the Northumberland countryside, Hadrian’s Hotel is a cosy, welcoming retreat where history and comfort meet.
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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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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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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

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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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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