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

Tarset Tor

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

Stable Cottage

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

Guide Price £448.00 Per week
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.
Embleton Self Catering

Primrose Cottage

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

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
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.
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
Trip Advisor Rating
Chathill Self Catering

Middlemoor Farm Holidays

If you are looking for a glamping holiday in Northumberland, with outstanding countryside views of the coast, we have something for everyone!
Guide Price £700.00 Per week
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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