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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 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.
 
Recommended
The Lindisfarne Inn Sponsored
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The Lindisfarne Inn

The nearest mainland inn to Holy Island, The Lindisfarne Inn is open all day for food, drinks, and cosy accommodation.
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Beach and Quiet

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Our select group of properties on the Northumberland coast are a stone’s throw from the historic harbour's of Craster and Seahouses.
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Beach House Hotel

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Located in the busy fishing port of Seahouses making it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the nearby attractions.
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Doxford Hall Hotel & Spa

Guide Price £135.00 Per Night
For a relaxing and luxurious holiday, short break or special event in Northumberland, Doxford Hall with it's superb facilities and excellent location is the perfect choice.
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Little Hideaways

Little Hideaways is a collection of family-owned holiday properties in the heart of Northumberland.
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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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Chesters Stables

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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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Cragend Grange (Cragend Farm)

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Experience Northumberland’s historic eco-heritage at unique ’Cragend Farm’ holiday destination, a brilliant example of Lord Armstrong of Cragside’s engineering innovations.
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The Bamburgh Castle Inn

When it comes to top seaside locations, the award-winning Bamburgh Castle Inn in Northumberland is hard to beat!
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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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