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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.
 
Alnwick Inn

The Hog's Head Inn

At the award-winning Hog’s Head Inn you'll find a contemporary inn serving homemade food all day, and cosy en-suite rooms.
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Warkworth Self Catering Agency

Coquet Cottages

Discover the ultimate collection of luxury dog-friendly and family-friendly self-catering accommodation in Northumberland.
Northumberland Self Catering Agency

Cottages in Northumberland

At Cottages in Northumberland, we have over 300 hand-picked holiday cottages in Northumberland, perfect for exploring this idyllic corner of the British Isles.
Alnmouth Self Catering

Midwood Cottage - Alnmouth Cottages

Guide Price £588.00 Per week
Midwood Cottage has a fabulous garden, carport parking, bike shed and treehouse. 5 minutes from beach. Hidden Gem Award 2018.
Alnwick Self Catering

Hollyhocks

Guide Price £350.00 Per week
Hollyhocks is a traditional 2-bedroom Edwardian end-terrace cottage in the town of Alnwick. It provides comfortable 4-star self-catering accommodation for up to 4 people
Berwick-upon-Tweed Inn

The Lindisfarne Inn

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

Stay at Chillingham Castle

Guide Price £490.00 Per week
In the heart of Northumberland, a medieval castle with stunning views of formal gardens and Cheviot Hills. Perfect for architectural and naturalist/historical enthusiast or anyone looking for an unforgettable holiday.
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Alnwick Hotel

The Cookie Jar

Guide Price £205.00 Per Night
The Cookie Jar, a luxury boutique hotel, adjacent to Alnwick Castle with 11 luxurious bedrooms, bistro and walled garden.
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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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Morpeth Glamping

Hillside Huts & Cabins

Guide Price £145.00 Per Night
Hillside Huts & Cabins get you closer to nature and the outdoors. Both have beneficial effects on our health and well-being.
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