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.
 
Hexham Self Catering

Carraw Luxury Holiday Homes

Guide Price £1,050.00 Per week
Carraw Farm offers luxury self-catering accommodation in a modern and luxurious spacious property – Vesta View and in the converted barn – Shepherds Retreat.
Alnwick Hotel

The Cookie Jar

Guide Price £205.00 Per Night
The Cookie Jar, a luxury boutique hotel, adjacent to Alnwick Castle with 11 luxurious bedrooms, bistro and walled garden.
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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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Northumberland Self Catering Agency

holidaycottages .co.uk

With over 30 years in the business, holidaycottages.co.uk offer some of the best holiday cottages across Northumberland.
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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Alnwick Glamping

Huts in the Hills

Guide Price £135.00 Per Night
5* luxury accommodation offering tranquility, privacy and magnificent bath views, in the stunning Northumberland National Park.
Chillingham Self Catering

Stay at Chillingham Castle

Guide Price £490.00 Per week
In the heart of Northumberland, a medieval castle with stunning views of formal gardens and Cheviot Hills. Perfect for architectural and naturalist/historical enthusiast or anyone looking for an unforgettable holiday.
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Bamburgh Glamping

Lucker Mill Shepherd's Huts

Guide Price £100.00 Per Night
1st Nov 2025 until 31st Mar 2026. Shepherd's & Woodman's Hut £80 pn (bring own bedding, shared facilities) exc. New Year.  Fisherman's Hut £100 pn (bring own bedding, en-suite). 





 
Embleton Self Catering

Heron Cottage

Book Now using code VND26 to receive 10% off any (min 3 nts) booking placed before 28/02/26

Guide Price £1,185.00 Per week
Warden Inn

The Boatside Inn

Riverside gastro pub with rooms, serving seasonal local dishes, warm hospitality, private dining and event space in Northumberland.
Guide Price £98.00 Per Night

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