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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.
 
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.
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.
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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!
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Hexham Self Catering

Carraw Luxury Holiday Homes

Guide Price £135.00 per night

10% off Vesta View or Shepherd's Retreat
Min. 2 nights | Offer available for new bookings for stays between 2nd Nov 2026 and 25th Mar 2027 (excluding Christmas and New Year 2026/27)

Northumberland Self Catering Agency

Canine Cottages

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

Lucker Mill Shepherd's Huts

Guide Price £100.00 Per Night

20 Jun 6 nts The Shepherd Hut, 21 Jun 5 nts The Woodman's Hut, 9-21 Jul The Shepherd & The Woodman's Hut, 24 Jul onwards for both | The Fisherman's Hut (En-suite) - 3 Aug 4 nts, 21 Aug 4 nts, 27 Aug onwards

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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.

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