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.
 
Northumberland Self Catering Agency

Canine Cottages

Canine Cottages, part of Travel Chapter, offers dog-friendly self-catering accommodation across Northumberland.
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.
Trip Advisor Rating
Ingram Bed & Breakfast

Ingram House

Guide Price £115.00 Per Night
Ideally situated to enjoy the Dark Skies in the Northumberland National Park, and for a stopover on the Sandstone Way for walkers and cyclists. A warm welcome awaits you at Ingram House.
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
Alnwick Self Catering

Garden Cottage

Guide Price £550.00 Per week
Set in the most scenic countryside with outstanding views of 13thC Edlingham Castle and Victorian viaduct, Garden Cottage sleeps 2 (one double bedroom), no steps, own garden. It is equidistant between Alnwick and Rothbury.
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.
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.
Fenwick Cottages and self-catering

The Mill House at Lindisfarne Bay

Luxury self catering accommodation on the water's edge overlooking Holy Island and Lindisfarne Castle.
Hexham Glamping

The Whistle Stop

The Whistle Stop Shepherd's Hut, with outdoor stargazing bath and log burner.
Guide Price £100.00 Per Night
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.

Stay in the know

Subscribe to our newsletter for seasonal highlights, must-see events, and insider tips. Get regular updates on the best things to do, see and experience in England’s most magical county.