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.
 
laverock-law.jpg Sponsored
Lowick Self Catering

Laverock Law Cottages & Glamping

Tranquil location, fantastic nature lovers paradise, close Northumbrian coast and Holy Island, log fires, gardens, campfire, homely green holiday destination.
Yurts 9 Sponsored
Chathill Glamping

Yurts at The Tempus

Our brand-new yurts at The Tempus are officially open and ready to welcome you for the ultimate getaway.
IMG_6134 Sponsored
Seahouses Hotel

Beach House Hotel

Guide Price £148.00 Per Night
Located in the busy fishing port of Seahouses making it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the nearby attractions.
Battlesteads Sponsored
Hexham Hotel

Battlesteads

Guide Price £70.00 Per Night
An 18thC Inn, formerly a farmhouse, in the heart of rural Northumberland close to the Roman Wall, Kielder Water and North Tyne Valley.
Trip Advisor Rating
The_Whittling_House_0002-crop Sponsored
Alnmouth Hotel

The Whittling House Hotel

An outstanding characterful hotel, featuring comfortable interiors and roaring fires all set back from stunning Alnmouth beach.
south-meadows-static-pitches Sponsored
Belford Caravan & Camping

South Meadows Caravan Park

Guide Price £21.00 Per Night
South Meadows is a premier touring & campervan park near the coast in beautiful North Northumberland.
Hemmel House Hero 2026 Sponsored
Craster Self Catering

Hemmel House

Guide Price £833.00 Per week
Three en suite bedrooms plus rural views towards the sea and Dunstanburgh Castle on the horizon.
exterior Sponsored
Alnwick Bed & Breakfast

Old Rectory Howick

Guide Price £125.00 Per Night
Luxury Country House B&B, with private parking only 400 yards from the Northumberland Coast, set in its own grounds.
Trip Advisor Rating
vn-large-Muckle-hoose-3.jpg Sponsored
Beadnell Inn

Beadnell Towers & Kitchen

Guide Price £115.00 Per Night
Luxurious, boutique hotel and restaurant in the tranquil village of Beadnell on the Northumberland Coast. Dog friendly, accessible, families welcome.
Dunstan-Hall-table Sponsored
Craster Self Catering

Dunstan Hall

Guide Price £2,506.00 Per week
A Grade II* listed Country Hall, sleeping 18, it’s the perfect large house for family celebrations or community groups.

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.