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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
Warkworth Bed & Breakfast

Fairfield House

01665 714455
Warkworth Bed & Breakfast

Warkworth Old Post Office

01665 711341
Alnwick Hotel

Doxford Hall Hotel & Spa

01665 589700
Lowick Self Catering

Hetton Law Shepherds Hut

07786 621178
Seahouses Hotel

St Aidan Hotel

01665 720355
Alnwick Self Catering

Overthwarts Farmhouse

01573 226711
Craster Self Catering

The Bathing House Howick

01665 605541
Rothbury Self Catering

Burnfoot Holiday Cottages

0191 281 1900
Bardon Mill Hostel

YHA The Sill at Hadrian's Wall

0345 2602702
Craster Self Catering

Lilac Cottage

07894 937510
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Family walk in Northumberland
Couple enjoying a boat trip
Hadrian's Wall
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