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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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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.
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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.
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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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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.
Budle Hall Camping
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.
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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.
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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
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Alnwick Hotel

The Cookie Jar
Guide Price £205.00 Per Night

15% discount on published room rates on stays from 16th March until 31st May 2026.  Quote VNCJ26 at the time of booking.

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Bamburgh Glamping

Lucker Mill Shepherd's Huts
Guide Price £100.00 Per Night
A new venture for 2020, ideally located near the Northumberland coast. Our original hand-crafted timber shepherd’s huts offer you an alternative to our long-established B&B experience.
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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.

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