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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.
 
LCR
Northumberland Self Catering Agency

Canine Cottages
Canine Cottages, part of Travel Chapter, offers dog-friendly self-catering accommodation across Northumberland.
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Warkworth Caravan & Camping

Walkmill Camping & Caravan Site
Stunning, peaceful, secluded site. Spacious grass touring, tent pitches and bell tent located beside the River Coquet near coastal village of Warkworth.
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Wall Caravan & Camping

Hadrians Meadow
Pop-up Campsite, Unspoilt location, Open fires, Amazing sky’s, 150yrds- Hadrian’s Wall Path, Supper/Breakfast Hampers, packed lunches organised. Simple loo.
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Holy Island Self Catering

Eider Duck Cottage
18th century cottage in the heart of the village with its own secluded garden, sleeps 4-6.
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Berwick-upon-Tweed Self Catering

Schoolhouse Fenwick
A spacious, south-facing, four bedroom self-catering cottage located close to the Northumberland Coast, Holy Island, Bamburgh and Alnwick. The ground floor is fully accessible, equipped with a profiling bed and ceiling hoist coverage to a large wet room. Available for all to book, all proceeds are reinvested to increase our accessibility
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Hexham Self Catering

Tarset Tor
Tarset Tor Bunkhouse & Bothy Holidays is self-built and family run, nestling in 5 acres of the scenic National Park.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.

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