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.
 
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.
Trip Advisor Rating
Alnmouth Self Catering

South View House

Guide Price £1,652.00 Per week
Stunning seaside apartments with balconies giving gorgeous views of the Northumberland coast. Dog-friendly and ideally located for exploring Alnmouth, Alnwick and beyond.
Bamburgh Cottages and self-catering

Greystead Bamburgh

Unwind on the country's most breath taking coastline at Greystead Bamburgh.
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.
Alnwick Self Catering

Garden Cottage

Guide Price £550.00 Per week
Set in the most scenic countryside with outstanding views of 13thC Edlingham Castle and Victorian viaduct, Garden Cottage sleeps 2 (one double bedroom), no steps, own garden. It is equidistant between Alnwick and Rothbury.
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.
Northumberland Self Catering Agency

Classic Cottages

Stay in one of our VisitEngland accredited luxury cottages in Northumberland.
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 Hotel

The Cookie Jar

Guide Price £205.00 Per Night

5 nights for the price of 4 on stays between 1st April and 31st Oct 2026.  Quote VNCJ26 at the time of booking.

Trip Advisor Rating
Warkworth Caravan & Camping

Walkmill Camping & Caravan Site

Stunning, peaceful, secluded site. Spacious grass touring, tent pitches and bell tent located beside the River Coquet near coastal village of Warkworth.

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.