We offer a number of different itineraries on the St Oswald's Way, each of which is made up of the following sections. Individual itineraries are detailed on the right.
Holy Island to Bamburgh - 19 Miles
The first section of the walk, which is also the longest starts at Lindisfarne Priory on the beautiful Holy Island and heads westwards to the mainland via the causeway. (please check the tide times in advance) The path heads south through Fenwick and the Kyloe woods with its surviving population of red squirrels. As you head to Belford through higher ground you will be amazed by the views around you. From Belford the path heads East to Budle Bay and then reaches the attractive village of Bamburgh with its superb castle.
Bamburgh to Craster - 14 Miles
Bamburgh was the site of King Oswald’s royal seat and the most familiar landmark is the magnificent Bamburgh Castle. From here the section of the St Oswald’s Way heads down to the popular seaside village of Seahorses where you can take boat trips to the nearby Farne Island. Heading south you pass other seaside village down to Embleton Bay. Where possible and if tides allow you can walk on the beach as an alternative to the path. You then pass the romantic ruins of Dunstanburgh - another famous Northumberland castle before arriving in the fishing village of Craster.
Craster to Warkworth - 13.5 Miles
From the picturesque village of Craster which is famous for its oak-smoked kippers, the St. Oswald’s Way continues south along the stunning coastline. You pass the sight of Northumberland’s earliest Stone Age settlement of Howick as you head down to Boulmer. Heading towards Alnmouth again you can walk along the beach while you pass two golf courses, one of which is the oldest in England. After reaching the peaceful village of Alnmouth the route passes through dunes with great views of Amble and Coquet Island. The path then meets the River Coquet for the first time at the historic village of Warkworth.
Warkworth to Rothbury - 18 miles
Warkworth is a beautiful village with a fantastic setting, which lies beneath the castle with the river Coquet passing through it. From here, you head west through the scenic valley which is another long section of the walk. The path passes through the village of Felton then through woodland and along riverside paths to Welton Bridge. The route then stays on the southern side of the river and passes through attractive farmland on route to Rothbury.
Rothbury to Kirkwhelpington - 15 Miles
The picturesque and ancient village of Rothbury is surrounded by hills and when the St. Oswald’s Way leaves here you leave the River Coquet behind and head south over remote and secluded countryside. The route enters the Northumberland National Park and passes the remains of an Iron Age hill fort and rock carvings. Passing through the heather-clad moors of the Simonside Hills you will feel a real sense of freedom. You then reach the Harwood forest which is protected by the Forestry Commission and head down past Knowesgate until you reach the small village of Kirkwhelpington.
Kirkwhelpington to Heavenfield - 17.5 Miles
The final section of the St. Cuthberts Way leaves the picturesque village of Kirkwhelpington and runs southwards through rolling countryside. This section of the walk is fairly remote and passes many interesting small settlements before reaching Great Whittington. South of here the route joins the Hadrian’s Wall Path and runs westwards along the Roman frontier to the historic site of Heavenfield—the end of the St. Oswalds Way. However, there is no public transport from Heavenfield and no accommodation so we will book your last nights accommodation in Wall or Chollerford which is just a mile or so on from the end of the walk.
Accommodation
One of the highlights of this tour is the high standard of the accommodation. We specifically choose the hotels, inns, guesthouses and B&B’s to ensure that you enjoy every minute of your stay. All offer a warm welcome to walkers, traditional hospitality and delicious local food.
Single Rooms
This independent walking holiday is available to solo walkers at a supplement. Please note that singles may not be of the same standard as twins/doubles.
Accommodation Location
We will always try and accommodate you at the locations detailed in the itinerary, but because of limited availability we may have to accommodate you at an alternative location. Alternative details will be noted on your accommodation sheet.
Baggage Transfer
Your bags will be collected from your accommodation each day and moved onto your overnight accommodation. We ask you limit your luggage to one bag of 20kg.
Lindisfarne Hotel - Holy Island
The Lindisfarne Hotel has a wonderful location at the start of the St Oswald's Way. This hotel was built in 1902 and provides clean and comfortable accommodation.
Bamburgh View - Holy Island
The bamburgh View holds a central position in the village. The owners offer a warm welcome at this newly renovated, comfortable bed and breakfast.
Market Cross Guest House - Belford
Market Cross Guest House is right in the centre of the village, the 200 year old guest house provides quality en-suite accommodation and award winning breakfasts.
The Farm House Guest House - Belford
The Farmhouse Guest House is a family run establishment where you will enjoy a personal, warm welcome with all the comforts of home. They offer a high standard of accommodation in an easy, informal atmosphere.
Dunstanburgh Castle Hotel - Embelton
The Dunstanburgh Castle Hotel is situated just before the village of Craster in the heart of Embleton, a picturesque village within an area of outstanding natural beauty. The Hotel provides comfortable ensuite rooms and delicious meals are available in the A La Carte Restaurant or the Table d’Hote Dining Room.
Fairfield House - Warkworth
Fairfield house offers 5 star quality guest accommodations in this charming B&B in Warkworth. All rooms are en-suite and are tastefully decorated and equipped to provide comfort for your stay.
Cornhills Farmhouse Bed & Breakfast - Kirkwhelpington
Cornhills farmhouse B&B is a 4 diamonds silver award B&B and is situated on a typical Northumberland farm in the beautiful Northumberland countryside. Cornhills Farmhouse is well catered to walkers, they provide drying facilities for both clothes and boots.
Matfen High House - Corbridge
Matfen High House is a beautiful well appointed spacious stone-built house, set in a quiet rural location a few miles from the St Oswald's Way path. Offering double and twin en-suite rooms with shower and bath, this Bed & Breakfast provides comfortable accommodation for walkers.
The Hadrian Hotel - Wall
This cosy Hotel in the Tyne Valley is an ideal spot for walkers to relax. With tranquil views over the countryside and comfortable rooms this is a perfect stop for walkers.
Getting to Lindisfarne
By Air
Edinburgh and Newcastle airports are the closest options. Onward travel is by rail or coach
By Coach/Rail
There is a railway station in Berwick upon Tweed and there is a bus service from here to Holy Island which only operates April - September 1st. Alternatively you can take a taxi.
By Road
We generally recommend using public transport as parking is generally not available in Holy Island.
Getting from Heavenfield
By Air
Edinburgh and Newcastle airports are the closest options. Travel by rail and /or coach.
By Coach/Rail
We include your last night in either Wall/Chollerford whcih is a mile from the official end of the walk in Heavenfield. Regular buses run between Wall and Hexham and then from Hexham there are buses to Newcastle along with a train service.
The best way to plan your journey if the Traveline Website; www.traveline.org.uk
We are often asked the following questions and I hope that you will find the answers useful.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any queries.
How fit do I need to be?
We offer a range of itineraries so you can choose your preferred daily distance so hopefully you will find an itinerary that suits your preferred level of activity. If you currently don’t enjoy an active lifestyle we suggest regular walking in hilly terrain supplemented by cardio vascular exercise for at least 6 months prior to your walk. A good gym or personal trainer will be able to draw up a personalised training programme.
How far in advance do I need to book?
We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as St Oswald's Way is extremely popular especially in the summer months. You will find up to date availability on our website and we will always try and accommodate your plans.
What personal equipment do I need?
You will need good walking shoes/boots (ideally waterproof), comfortable walking clothes, waterproof jacket and trousers, a daypack and hats/gloves etc. You can download a full equipment list from the downloads page of our website.
When is the best time of year?
Traditionally April/May has always been the most popular time of year because the theory goes that the weather is better. Although I believe any time between late March and October offers a wonderful experience.
Should I check the tides for Holy Island?
Yes, we recommend you check the tidal chart for your arrival day into Holy Island (lindisfarne) and also for your first first days walking to make sure that you can cross the causway. Check out the safe tide crossings here.
Am I able to take my dog?
Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate walkers with dogs as many of the accommodation providers we use do not accept pets.
What happens if I can’t walk a stage?
You can use public transport or local taxis to continue to your next overnight stop.
The St Oswald's Way is available from April to mid - October and you can start on any day of the week. To make a provisional reservation select "Book" for the section you are interested in. Option prices will be displayed as part of the booking process.
Because every walking holiday we book is unique availability changes from day to day and our booking process works as follows:
- You provisionally book the tour/s you are interested in on your preferred dates and pay a 20% deposit online or by phone.
- We confirm availability and book all your accommodation and options and send final confirmation as soon as everything is confirmed (max 5 working days).
- If we are unable to accommodate you on your confirmed dates/tour or an alternative of your choice your deposit is fully refunded.
Available
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
| Code |
Tour Name |
Duration |
Grade |
From |
Book |
| WESSOW |
St. Oswald's Way |
4 - 10 Days |
|
£495 |
Book |
| WESSOW5 |
St. Oswald's Way |
11 Days & 10 Nights |
|
£645 |
Book |
| WESSOW4 |
St. Oswald's Way |
10 Days & 9 Nights |
|
£595 |
Book |
| WESSOW1 |
St. Oswald's Way |
8 Days & 7 Nights |
|
£495 |
Book |
| WESSOW2 |
St. Oswald's Way |
9 Days & 8 Nights |
|
£555 |
Book |
| WESSOW6 |
St. Oswalds Way |
5 Days & 4 Nights |
|
£295 |
Book |
Included
- Hand picked accommodation in B&B's, guesthouses and country hotels and inns.
- Breakfast each morning.
- Daily door to door baggage transfer.
- A detailed information pack, guide book with map for your party.
- Emergency telephone support from our office in the event of a problem.
Excluded
- Travel to the start or from the finish of the walk.
- Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks.
- Travel Insurance. Personal Equipment.
- Taxi transfers or public transport should you need to skip a stage.
Options
- Single room supplement.
- Additional nights before, during or after your walk.
