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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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Bamburgh Hotels

The Sunningdale Hotel

Stay at The Sunningdale, Dine at The Potted Lobster.  Starting from £200 for 2 people.  Rates based on 2 people sharing.  Includes breakfast and £40 dinner credit per person, applicable on food purchases only.

Dates available:
Sat 1st Nov 2025 - Tue 31 Mar 2026

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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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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.
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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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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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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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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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Chathill Glamping

Yurts at The Tempus

Our brand-new yurts at The Tempus are officially open and ready to welcome you for the ultimate getaway.
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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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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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