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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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Craster Self Catering

Coast and Country Northumberland

Water’s Edge is a spectacularly located, contemporary beachfront cottage in Craster, offering direct access to the North Northumberland Heritage Coast.
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Embleton Self Catering

Brunton House and Cottages

Guide Price £623.00 Per week
Enjoy a 5 Star Gold self-catering cottage holiday at Brunton House and Holiday Cottages on a famous Northumberland country estate.
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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

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Hexham Holiday Home Ownership

Heathergate Holiday Park

Buy a luxury holiday home at Heathergate Boutique Holiday Park in Hexham an award winning, five star retreat.
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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.
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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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Alnwick Self Catering

Breamish Valley Cottages

Guide Price £490.00 Per week
Breamish Valley Cottages presents award-winning luxury self-catering holiday cottages near Alnwick in Northumberland, where spectacular comfort and elegance is complemented by a superb indoor heated swimming pool, spa, sauna, steam room, tennis court, games room and gym.
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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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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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Belford Bed & Breakfast

Lucker Mill House B&B

Guide Price £100.00 Per Night

Various dates available.

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