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 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.
260515 Restaurant 2 Sponsored
Seahouses Hotel

Beach House Hotel

Guide Price £148.00 Per Night
Located in the busy fishing port of Seahouses making it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the nearby attractions.
Tempus-Boutique-room Sponsored
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.
Trip Advisor Rating
vn-large-Glororum-Holiday-Park-Bamburgh.jpg Sponsored
Bamburgh Caravan & Camping

Glororum Caravan Park

Guide Price £30.00 Per Night
Stunning touring and caravan holiday home park gem at beautiful Bamburgh.
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.
Hero Sponsored
Warkworth Hotel

Warkworth House Hotel

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque village of Warkworth, Warkworth House Hotel is a welcoming, stylish family run 3 star hotel which forms the perfect base for exploring the coast and the area's famous castles, beaches and golf courses.
Trip Advisor Rating
Doxford_Cottages-8 Sponsored
Chathill Self Catering

Doxford Cottages

Warm and welcoming luxury holiday cottages in Northumberland.
south-meadows-static-pitches Sponsored
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.
Bailiffgate Hotel Hero Sponsored
Alnwick Hotel

Bailiffgate Hotel

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

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.