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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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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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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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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.
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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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Beadnell Inn

Beadnell Towers & Kitchen

Guide Price £115.00 Per Night
Luxurious, boutique hotel and restaurant in the tranquil village of Beadnell on the Northumberland Coast. Dog friendly, accessible, families welcome.
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Beal Self Catering

Fenwick Granary Farm

Thoughtfully restored accommodations, blending historic features with modern conveniences.
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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 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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Bamburgh Hotels

The Sunningdale Hotel

The Sunningdale, Bamburgh offers 20 beautifully appointed rooms, perfect for relaxing and recharging after exploring Northumberland’s stunning coastline.
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Beadnell Self Catering

3 Cherry Tree

Guide Price £329.00 Per week
A luxury one bedroom first floor dog friendly self-catering holiday home, the perfect coastal escape for couples in Beadnell.

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