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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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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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Warkworth Hotel

Warkworth House Hotel

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque village of Warkworth, Warkworth House Hotel is a welcoming, stylish family run 3 star hotel which forms the perfect base for exploring the coast and the area's famous castles, beaches and golf courses.
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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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Brunton House Ext Sponsored
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.
Alnmouth Self Catering

Midwood Lodge & 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.
Bingfield Self Catering

The Hytte

Guide Price £553.00 Per week
Close to Hexham and Hadrian's Wall this unique property is fully accessible and provides the ideal country retreat for friends and family "get together's" with the added luxury of a sauna and hot-tub spa.
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.
Bamburgh Self Catering

Glebe House and Glebe Cottage

Guide Price £175.00 Per week
Lovely old vicarage on edge of Bamburgh village, renovated to high standard with private gardens and superb views.
Northumberland Self Catering Agency

Canine Cottages

Canine Cottages, part of Travel Chapter, offers dog-friendly self-catering accommodation across Northumberland.
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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