St. Oswald's Way Map and Itinerary

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.

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