St Oswald's Way Hero Image

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 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
Bamburgh Self Catering

Waterford

Guide Price £1,547.00 Per week
5 Star Gold Award Luxury New England Style Beach House right on Bamburgh Dunes, 4 Bedrooms (sleeps 7) & Dog Friendly
Bamburgh Self Catering

Glebe House and Glebe Cottage

Guide Price £175.00 Per week
Lovely old vicarage on edge of Bamburgh village, renovated to high standard with private gardens and superb views.
Northumberland Glamping

Vindomora Country Lodges

Eight 4-Star and 5-Star luxury, hand-built log cabins set in tranquil surroundings, overlooking open countryside in Northumberland.
Warkworth Self Catering Agency

Coquet Cottages

Discover the ultimate collection of luxury dog-friendly and family-friendly self-catering accommodation in Northumberland.
Warkworth Caravan & Camping

Walkmill Camping & Caravan Site

Stunning, peaceful, secluded site. Spacious grass touring and tent pitches located beside the River Coquet near coastal village of Warkworth.
Seahouses Self Catering

Springhill Farm Holiday Cottages

Guide Price £749.00 Per week
Secluded accommodation nestled on the Northumberland coastline between Seahouses and Bamburgh.
Bamburgh Bed & Breakfast

Budle Hall B&B and Self-Catering Cottages

Guide Price £130.00 Per Night
Grand Georgian country house B&B one mile from Bamburgh, exclusive camping and two self-catering lodges at Budle and Brada.
Trip Advisor Rating
Alnmouth Self Catering Agency

Northumbria Coast & Country Cottages Ltd

Guide Price £329.00 Per week
The largest and longest established local holiday lettings agency with an impressive portfolio of quality holiday cottages in prime locations throughout Northumberland and the Border region.
Alnmouth Self Catering

Midwood Cottage - Alnmouth Cottages

Guide Price £588.00 Per week
Midwood Cottage has a fabulous garden, carport parking, bike shed and treehouse. 5 minutes from beach. Hidden Gem Award 2018.
Alnmouth Self Catering

South View House

Guide Price £1,652.00 Per week
Stunning seaside apartments with balconies giving gorgeous views of the Northumberland coast. Dog-friendly and ideally located for exploring Alnmouth, Alnwick and beyond.
Mountain biking in purple heather
Family walk in Northumberland
Couple enjoying a boat trip
Hadrian's Wall
Surf Northumberland
Outdoor adventures in Northumberland

Make it personal

With endless experiences, it’s impossible to see and do everything Northumberland has to offer. Create a personal profile and we’ll tailor the site to show you the best and most relevant content for you.