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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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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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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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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

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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Matfen Hotel

Matfen Hall Country Hotel, Spa and Golf Estate

Guide Price £199.00 Per Night
Set in the beautiful Northumberland countryside, Matfen Hall Country Hotel is the perfect place to escape away from it all and indulge in ultimate luxury.
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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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Chathill Hotel

The Tempus at Charlton Hall Estate

Guide Price £150.00 Per Night
Listed in The Times Top 100 Best Places to Stay in the UK 2024, The Tempus has 33 bedrooms, boutique suites, hot tub rooms and dog friendly accommodation.
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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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Alnwick Hotel

Bailiffgate Hotel

Set in the heart of Alnwick, Bailiffgate Hotel offers a luxurious yet welcoming retreat amid Northumberland’s breathtaking landscapes.
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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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