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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.
 
Recommended
Craster Self Catering

Stable Cottage

Converted Georgian stables with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, vaulted reception room and direct rural views.
Guide Price £448.00 Per week
Hexham Hotel

Slaley Hall

A former Edwardian mansion which offers luxurious accommodation, spa & gym facilities, a 36 hole golf complex, restaurants and event spaces.
Guide Price £111.00 Per Night
Trip Advisor Rating
Embleton Self Catering

Heron Cottage

Heron Cottage is set in the heart of Embleton village, walking distance from a number of pubs and The Village Farm Shop.
Guide Price £1,185.00 Per week
Holy Island Self Catering

Eider Duck Cottage

18th century cottage in the heart of the village with its own secluded garden, sleeps 4-6.
Craster Caravan & Camping

Proctors Stead Caravan Park

Quiet family-run park. Easy access. Level pitches. EHU. Laundry. WiFi. Superb location for coastal walks. Craster/pub nearby.
Guide Price £24.00 Per Night
Trip Advisor Rating
Chathill Self Catering

Middlemoor Farm Holidays

If you are looking for a glamping holiday in Northumberland, with outstanding countryside views of the coast, we have something for everyone!
Guide Price £700.00 Per week
Hexham Inn

Twice Brewed Inn

Welcoming Pub situated on Hadrian's Wall near Housesteads Roman Fort, with on site Planetarium and regular Dark Skies Events.
Guide Price £110.00 Per Night
Trip Advisor Rating
Alnwick Self Catering

Low Steads Holiday Cottages

Dog-friendly and accessible farm cottages on the Northumberland Coast.
Guide Price £651.00 Per week
Hexham Self Catering Agency

Wooden Star Cottages

An exclusive collection of Northumbrian handpicked homes managed by local friends Vicky Collingwood and Sam Perkins.
Guide Price £770.00 Per week
Northumberland Self Catering Agency

Classic Cottages

Stay in one of our VisitEngland accredited luxury cottages in Northumberland.
Mountain biking in purple heather
Family walk in Northumberland
Couple enjoying a boat trip
Hadrian's Wall
Surf Northumberland
Outdoor adventures in Northumberland

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