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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.
 
Recommended
The Lindisfarne Inn Sponsored
Beal Inn

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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Village Farm Cottages & Spa Sponsored
Alnwick Self Catering

Village Farm Cottages & Spa

Guide Price £280.00 Per week
We are a family run business which provides great family holidays, as well as "get away from it all breaks" for all ages and have 30 years of experience on which to call when we welcome you to Village Farm.
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Heron Cottage Sponsored
Embleton Self Catering

Heron Cottage

Guide Price £1,185.00 Per week
Heron Cottage is set in the heart of Embleton village, walking distance from a number of pubs and The Village Farm Shop.
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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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Bamburgh Caravan & Camping

Glororum Caravan Park

Guide Price £30.00 Per Night
Stunning touring and caravan holiday home park gem at beautiful Bamburgh.
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Seahouses Inn

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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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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Springhill Farm Holiday Cottages

Guide Price £749.00 Per week
Secluded accommodation nestled on the Northumberland coastline between Seahouses and Bamburgh.
Embleton Self Catering

Embleton Cottages

Guide Price £357.00 Per week
Quality cosy farm cottages, between Alnwick and Embleton. Ideal for beach, bird-watching, exploring gardens & coast, Mill & Puffin cottage with lovely gardens.
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The Glebe Retreat

A super-luxurious contemporary eco-dome with stunning al fresco stone bath, voted one of the best 25 cabin stays in the UK.
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