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.
 
Beach And Quiet Stable Cottage Living Room Sponsored
Craster Self Catering

Stable Cottage

Guide Price £448.00 Per week
Converted Georgian stables with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, vaulted reception room and direct rural views.
Beach And Quiet Hero 2026 Sponsored
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.
CCC Image 1 Sponsored
Craster Glamping

Craster Coastal Cabins

Luxury glamping pods on the Northumberland coast on a small family-run farm.
Northumberland Self Catering Agency

holidaycottages .co.uk

With over 30 years in the business, holidaycottages.co.uk offer some of the best holiday cottages across Northumberland.
Hexham Self Catering

Carraw Luxury Holiday Homes

Guide Price £135.00 per night

10% off Vesta View or Shepherd's Retreat
Min. 2 nights | Offer available for new bookings for stays between 2nd Nov 2026 and 25th Mar 2027 (excluding Christmas and New Year 2026/27)

Bamburgh Glamping

Lucker Mill Shepherd's Huts

Guide Price £100.00 Per Night

Shepherd Huts (shared facilities Glamping): 1 hut avail 22 - 31 May, 2 huts avail on 22, 25, 29-31 May | Shepherd Hut (with ensuite): 30 - 31 May.

Blanchland Self Catering

Derwent View Cottage

Guide Price £378.00 Per week
Set in the North Pennines National Landscape, this cosy newly-built cottage is in a tranquil setting with stunning views.
Hexham Glamping

The Hiddle Hut

Under the darkest skies, immersed within breath-taking views of the countryside, our two-storey, luxury star-gazing cabin is a captivating hideaway.
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.
Trip Advisor Rating
Acomb Self Catering

The Barn, East Salmons Well

Guide Price £175.00 per night
Stone built barn affording accommodation for 4 adults with stunning views across the Tyne Valley. Near to Hexham and Hadrian's Wall.

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.