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.
 
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.
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.
Trip Advisor Rating
Northumberland Self Catering Agency

Classic Cottages

Stay in one of our VisitEngland accredited luxury cottages in Northumberland.
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
Harbottle Inn

The Star Inn

Three dog-friendly en-suite guest bedrooms with enclosed patio gardens attached to The Star Inn in Harbottle near Rothbury.
Alnwick Self Catering

Low Steads Holiday Cottages

Dog-friendly and accessible farm cottages on the Northumberland Coast.
Guide Price £651.00 Per week
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.
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
Trip Advisor Rating
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
Warden Inn

The Boatside Inn

Black Friday - All room rates 1/2 price when booked between Friday 28 November and Monday 1 December (midnight).
Valid for stays up to 31 March 2026

Guide Price £98.00 Per Night

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