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.
 
Beach And Quiet Stable Cottage Living Room Sponsored
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.
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.
Fire Place Sponsored
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.
Hadrian's Hotel Hero Image Sponsored
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.
Front_3.jpg Sponsored
Bamburgh Hotels

The Sunningdale Hotel

The Sunningdale, Bamburgh offers 20 beautifully appointed rooms, perfect for relaxing and recharging after exploring Northumberland’s stunning coastline.
Fenham-01_1 Sponsored
Berwick-upon-Tweed Self Catering

Fenham Farm Coastal Retreat

Self-catering accommodation and venue facilities in a beautiful location overlooking Holy Island on the Northumberland coast.
Water26-Country-Northumberland Sponsored
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.
Beach And Quiet Hero 2026 Sponsored
Embleton Self Catering Agency

Beach and Quiet

Guide Price £833.00 Per week
Properties close to the historic Craster harbour & iconic Dunstanburgh Castle or set in the heart of Embleton village, ½ mile from Embleton bay.
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.
CCC Image 1 Sponsored
Craster Glamping

Craster Coastal Cabins

Luxury glamping pods on the Northumberland coast on a small family-run farm.

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.