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.
 
Bamburgh Cottages and self-catering

Greystead Bamburgh

Unwind on the country's most breath taking coastline at Greystead Bamburgh.
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.
Trip Advisor Rating
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.
Trip Advisor Rating
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.
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.
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.
Trip Advisor Rating
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.
Warkworth Self Catering Agency

Coquet Cottages

Discover the ultimate collection of luxury dog-friendly and family-friendly self-catering accommodation in Northumberland.
Alnmouth Bed and breakfast

St Valery Boutique Bed & Breakfast

Guide Price £200.00 PER NIGHT
A relaxing coastal hideaway for grown-ups. Guests enjoy deliciously comfy beds, fluffy towels, and gorgeous home-cooked breakfasts.
Trip Advisor Rating
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.

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.