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.
 
Bailiffgate Hotel Hero Sponsored
Alnwick Hotels

Bailiffgate Hotel

Save 25% on bed and breakfast stays when booking a two-night break.

This offer is subject to availability and a minimum stay of two nights is required. Promotional offer is available on selected dates from October 2025 to March 2026.

CCC Image 1 Sponsored
Craster Glamping

Craster Coastal Cabins

Luxury glamping pods on the Northumberland coast on a small family-run farm.
Trip Advisor Rating
Hemmel-House Sponsored
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.
exterior Sponsored
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.
Trip Advisor Rating
vn-large-Amazing-panoramic-views-.jpeg Sponsored
Seahouses Holiday Home Ownership

Clifftop and Stone Close Holiday Park

Exceptional seafront caravan holiday park in the popular coastal resort of Seahouses.
vn-large-The-Porthole-Front-garden.jpg Sponsored
Craster Self Catering

The Porthole

Guide Price £1,302.00 Per week
A traditional fisherman's cottage situated in the pretty seaside Craster village, a very short walk from the picturesque harbour.
Front_3.jpg Sponsored
Bamburgh Hotels

The Sunningdale Hotel

Extend Your Escape - 3 Nights for the Price of 2

Starting from £260 per room 

This offer is valid from Sunday through to Thursdays and is available on the following dates:

  • Sunday 3rd November 2025 – Thursday 18th December 2025
  • Sunday 4th January 2025 – Thursday 13 February 2025
  • Sunday 22nd February 2026 – Thursday 26th March 2026

Breakfast included

Yurts 9 Sponsored
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.
Tempus-Boutique-room Sponsored
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.
Trip Advisor Rating
The_Whittling_House_0002-crop Sponsored
Alnmouth Hotel

The Whittling House Hotel

Starting from £150 pp |  Available: Mon 3rd Nov – Thu 18th Dec 2025, Mon 5th Jan – Thu 12 Feb 2026, Mon 23rd Feb – Thu 26th Mar 2026 | Min. 3 nights | Breakfast included

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.