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.
 
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
Bamburgh Self Catering

Waterford

Guide Price £1,547.00 Per week
5 Star Gold Award Luxury New England Style Beach House right on Bamburgh Dunes, 4 Bedrooms (sleeps 7) & Dog Friendly
Rothbury Holiday Home Ownership

Coquetdale Holiday Park

Malcolm, Kathy and Matthew Muckle welcome you to their family run holiday park near the tranquil and beautiful Rothbury.
Bamburgh Glamping

Lucker Mill Shepherd's Huts

Guide Price £100.00 Per Night

Fisherman's Hut, Sun 5 Apr, £130 per night.  Dogs allowed for an additional £10 per night. | Shepherd's Hut, Sun 5 - 7 Apr £100 per night with shared facilities (pet free).  Bed linen and towels included.

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.
Seahouses Inn

The Bamburgh Castle Inn

When it comes to top seaside locations, the award-winning Bamburgh Castle Inn in Northumberland is hard to beat!
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.
Alnwick Self Catering

Ilderton Dod Barns

Guide Price £441.00 Per week

Cuckoo Cottage - until 24th March 2026
The Barn - 4th March to 1st Apr 2026

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.

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.