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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.
 
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Alnwick Hotels

Bailiffgate Hotel

Set in the heart of Alnwick, Bailiffgate Hotel offers a luxurious yet welcoming retreat amid Northumberland’s breathtaking landscapes.
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Hexham Self Catering

Chesters Stables

Guide Price £2,572.00 Per week
Nestled in the heart of rural Northumberland, our collection of 7 self-catering Stable Suites, sleeping between 2 and 8 guests, offers the perfect choice for a countryside getaway.
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Bamburgh Hotels

The Sunningdale Hotel

The Sunningdale, Bamburgh offers 20 beautifully appointed rooms, perfect for relaxing and recharging after exploring Northumberland’s stunning coastline.
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Hexham Holiday Home Ownership

Heathergate Holiday Park

Buy a luxury holiday home at Heathergate Boutique Holiday Park in Hexham an award winning, five star retreat.
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Embleton Self Catering Agency

Beach and Quiet

Guide Price £833.00 Per week
Properties close to the historic Craster harbour & iconic Dunstanburgh Castle or set in the heart of Embleton village, ½ mile from Embleton bay.
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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.
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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.
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Stocksfield Inn

The Duke of Wellington Inn

Guide Price £90.00 Per Night
The Duke of Wellington Inn is nestled in the Tyne Valley village of Newton just off the A69 near Corbridge.
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Alnmouth Hotel

The Whittling House Hotel

An outstanding characterful hotel, featuring comfortable interiors and roaring fires all set back from stunning Alnmouth beach.
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Seahouses Self Catering

Little Hideaways

Little Hideaways is a collection of family-owned holiday properties in the heart of Northumberland.

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