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

Ilderton Dod Barns

Guide Price £441.00 Per week
Cosy cottage and large barn conversion in the heart of Northumberland National Park. Peaceful surroundings and gorgeous views of the Cheviots.
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
Kirkwhelpington Bed & Breakfast

Ghouse Bed & Breakfast

Situated in Kirkwhelpington, a perfect place to stay whilst completing the St Oswald's Way Walk or attending the many wedding venues in Otterburn and surrounding areas.
Wark Self Catering

Warksburn Old Church

Valid for any stay ending before 19 Dec 2025

⚫⚫⚫🟡 | Stay 4 Pay 3. Book a four-night stay and enjoy one night completely free. Offer only valid for stays starting on a Monday.

⚫⚫⚫⚫⚫🟡🟡 | Stay 7 Pay 5. Book a seven-night stay and receive two free nights.

⚫⚫⚫⚫⚫⚫⚫🟡🟡🟡 | Stay 10 Pay 7. Extend your holiday and get three nights free when you book a ten-night stay.

Hexham Caravan & Camping

Hexham Racecourse Caravan Site

Situated two miles south of Hexham, the site provides an ideal base for exploring the ancient market town.
Alnwick Self Catering

Low Steads Holiday Cottages

Dog-friendly and accessible farm cottages on the Northumberland Coast.
Guide Price £651.00 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

Northumberland Cottages Ltd

Northumberland Cottages, luxury properties with fabulous Cheviot Hills views. National Park, walking, cycling, wildlife and star gazing on the doorstep.
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 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

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