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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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Hexham Self Catering

Chesters Stables

Guide Price £2,572.00 Per week
Nestled in the heart of rural Northumberland, our collection of 7 self-catering Stable Suites, sleeping between 2 and 8 guests, offers the perfect choice for a countryside getaway.
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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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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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Hexham Holiday Home Ownership

Heathergate Holiday Park

Buy a luxury holiday home at Heathergate Boutique Holiday Park in Hexham an award winning, five star retreat.
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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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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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Alnwick Hotels

Bailiffgate Hotel

Celebrate the beauty of the season with our handpicked autumn breaks. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing getaway, a taste of local shopping, or the chance to explore Northumberland’s iconic attractions, Bailiffgate Hotel has the perfect package for you.

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Belford Bed & Breakfast

Lucker Mill House B&B

Guide Price £100.00 Per Night

Various dates available.

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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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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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