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

Classic Cottages

Stay in one of our VisitEngland accredited luxury cottages in Northumberland.
Alnwick Hotel

The Cookie Jar

Guide Price £205.00 Per Night

5 nights for the price of 4 on stays between 1st April and 31st Oct 2026.  Quote VNCJ26 at the time of booking.

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Northumberland Self Catering Agency

Cottages in Northumberland

At Cottages in Northumberland, we have over 300 hand-picked holiday cottages in Northumberland, perfect for exploring this idyllic corner of the British Isles.
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
Embleton Self Catering

Heron Cottage

Heron Cottage is set in the heart of Embleton village, walking distance from a number of pubs and The Village Farm Shop.
Guide Price £1,185.00 Per week
Fenwick Cottages and self-catering

The Mill House

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

Slaley Hall

A former Edwardian mansion which offers luxurious accommodation, spa & gym facilities, a 36 hole golf complex, restaurants and event spaces.
Guide Price £111.00 Per Night
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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.
Hexham Self Catering Agency

Wooden Star Cottages

From castles to cottages, from treehouses to townhouses, we have your Northumberland holiday covered.
Guide Price £110.00 per night
Seahouses Hostel

Seahouses Hostel

A peaceful retreat in a beautiful location on the Northumberland Coast; offering affordable accommodation suitable for groups, cyclists and walkers.
Guide Price £18.00 Per Night

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