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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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Located in the busy fishing port of Seahouses making it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the nearby attractions.
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Warksburn Old Church

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Luxury Net Zero holiday accommodation in a spectacular renovated church three miles from Hadrian's Wall. World’s first Passivhaus church conversion.
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Hemmel House

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Three en suite bedrooms plus rural views towards the sea and Dunstanburgh Castle on the horizon.
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Hotspur Street

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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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At Cottages in Northumberland, we have over 300 hand-picked holiday cottages in Northumberland, perfect for exploring this idyllic corner of the British Isles.
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Shepherd's Hut at The Old Rectory

Relax and enjoy the countryside in our self catering Shepherd's Hut. Dine al-fresco in the private bbq and seating area.
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Garden Cottage

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Set in the most scenic countryside with outstanding views of 13thC Edlingham Castle and Victorian viaduct, Garden Cottage sleeps 2 (one double bedroom), no steps, own garden. It is equidistant between Alnwick and Rothbury.
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