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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
Market Cross Guest House Sponsored
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.
Trip Advisor Rating
Coast and Country Northumberland Sponsored
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.
The Whittling House Hotel Sponsored
Alnmouth Hotel

The Whittling House Hotel

An outstanding characterful hotel, featuring comfortable interiors and roaring fires all set back from stunning Alnmouth beach.
Bamburgh Self Catering

Outchester & Ross Farm Cottages

Guide Price £588.00 Per week
Enjoy a peaceful break in our spacious, warm, well-equipped 4* and 5* cottages in unspoilt countryside near beaches, walking and cycling routes.
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Seahouses Caravan & Camping

Springhill Farm Touring Site & Wigwams

Guide Price £18.00 Per Night
Arguably Northumberland’s most scenic site. With great views across rolling countryside towards the sea and Farne Islands and with Bamburgh Castle to the north and the Cheviot Hills to the west, Springhill’s touring site and wigwams.
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Bamburgh Caravan & Camping

Camping at Budle Hall

Guide Price £50.00 Per Night
Exclusive wild camping in beautiful field with sea views and walk to beach. Two pitches only, private shower and toilet.
Alnwick Self Catering

Cheviot Holiday Cottages

Guide Price £588.00 Per week
Exceptional selection of bespoke luxury holiday cottages designed for couples, quietly situated in the heart of the Northumbrian countryside.
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Bamburgh Glamping

Lucker Mill Shepherd's Huts

A new venture for 2020, ideally located near the Northumberland coast. Our original hand-crafted timber shepherd’s huts offer you an alternative to our long-established B&B experience.
Hexham Self Catering

Carraw Luxury Holiday Homes

Guide Price £1,050.00 Per week
Carraw Farm offers luxury self-catering accommodation in a modern and luxurious spacious property – Vesta View and in the converted barn – Shepherds Retreat.
Bamburgh Bed & Breakfast

Budle Hall B&B and Self-Catering Cottages

Guide Price £130.00 Per Night
Grand Georgian country house B&B one mile from Bamburgh, exclusive camping and two self-catering lodges at Budle and Brada.
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Mountain biking in purple heather
Family walk in Northumberland
Couple enjoying a boat trip
Hadrian's Wall
Surf Northumberland
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