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, 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
Hexham Inn

Twice Brewed Inn

Welcoming Pub situated on Hadrian's Wall near Housesteads Roman Fort, with on site Planetarium and regular Dark Skies Events.
Guide Price £110.00 Per Night
Trip Advisor Rating
Alnwick Bed & Breakfast

Greycroft

Delightful 6 bedroom Victorian guesthouse. Tastefully furnished. Large walled garden. Conservation area. 2 min walk to Alnwick town centre.
Guide Price £75.00 Per Night
Trip Advisor Rating
Kirkwhelpington Bed & Breakfast

Ghouse Bed & Breakfast

Situated in Kirkwhelpington, a perfect place to stay whilst completing the St Oswald's Way Walk or attending the many wedding venues in Otterburn and surrounding areas.
Craster Caravan & Camping

Proctors Stead Caravan Park

Quiet family-run park. Easy access. Level pitches. EHU. Laundry. WiFi. Superb location for coastal walks. Craster/pub nearby.
Guide Price £24.00 Per Night
Trip Advisor Rating
Bamburgh Self Catering

Budle Bay Croft

07802 239430
Bamburgh Self Catering

Shearling Shepherd's Huts

07427 618441
Hexham Self Catering

Sycamore Cottage and Glamping Pods

07793 868277
Rothbury Self Catering

The Cragside Cragend Cottages

01669 621533
Acomb Bed & Breakfast

Sunniside House

07974 811351
Alnwick Self Catering

Malthouse in Alnwick

07886 354049
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.