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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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Alnmouth Hotel

The Whittling House Hotel
An outstanding characterful hotel, featuring comfortable interiors and roaring fires all set back from stunning Alnmouth beach.
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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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Craster Self Catering

Dunstan Hall
Guide Price £2,506.00 Per week
A Grade II* listed Country Hall, sleeping 18, it’s the perfect large house for family celebrations or community groups.
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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

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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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 Bed & Breakfast

Old Rectory Howick
Guide Price £125.00 Per Night
Luxury Country House B&B, with private parking only 400 yards from the Northumberland Coast, set in its own grounds.
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Chathill Self Catering

Doxford Cottages
Warm and welcoming luxury holiday cottages in Northumberland.
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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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Embleton Self Catering

Primrose Cottage
The Cottage is perfect for beach lovers, nature and bird watchers, golfers, walkers and experienced paddle boarders and surfers.

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