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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.
 
Recommended
Rothbury Glamping

Westfield House Farm Shepherd's Huts

Luxury Shepherd's Huts and B&B in an idyllic Northumbrian setting in beautiful Upper Coquetdale on the edge of Northumberland National Park.
Guide Price £79.00 Per Night
Hexham Self Catering Agency

Wooden Star Cottages

An exclusive collection of Northumbrian handpicked homes managed by local friends Vicky Collingwood and Sam Perkins.
Guide Price £770.00 Per week
Alnwick Bed & Breakfast

Greycroft

Delightful 6 bedroom Victorian guesthouse. Tastefully furnished. Large walled garden. Conservation area. 2 min walk to Alnwick town centre.
Guide Price £75.00 Per Night
Trip Advisor Rating
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
Bamburgh Self Catering

Shearling Shepherd's Huts

07427 618441
Corbridge Self Catering

The Garden Rooms at Dilston House

01434 633653
Bamburgh Self Catering

Sandhills

01573 226711
Alnwick Bed & Breakfast

EveAnna

07768 744922
Hexham

Linnels Farm

07702 632264
Bardon Mill Hostel

YHA The Sill at Hadrian's Wall

0345 2602702
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