St Oswald’s Way is a 97 mile long distance walking route. Opened in 2006 it stretches from the Holy Island of Lindisfarne in the north down to Heavenfield on Hadrian’s Wall in the south. Read more at the British Pilgrimage Trust.
You will find independent hostels and bunkhouses along the route. In the spirit of a true pilgrimage these offer companionship and comfort to weary walkers at very reasonable prices.
Accommodation on St Oswald’s Way
St Oswald’s Way is a 97 mile long distance walking route. Opened in 2006 it stretches from the Holy Island of Lindisfarne in the north down to Heavenfield on Hadrian’s Wall in the south. The route will take you through some of the finest scenery Northumberland has to offer. St Oswald’s Way is a walk of variety and history with plenty to keep you interested. From Lindisfarne, you follow the coastline as far south as Warkworth passing iconic castles, rugged coastline, spectacular beaches, and islands on the way.
Lindisfarne at the start of St Oswald’s Way
The Route of St Oswald’s Way
The route then takes you inland along Coquet valley to Rothbury and on to the finish at Heavenfield. On this stretch of the walk, you will pass hills and moorland, picturesque villages, forest, and rolling farmland. St Oswald’s Way links three historic sites associated with the early 7th century Northumbrian King and Saint whose name it takes. The Holy Island of Lindisfarne where he founded a monastery that became the ‘cradle of Christianity in England’, Bamburgh which was his royal capital and Heavenfield where he camped before his victory at the battle that made him King.
Bamburgh, St Oswald’s royal capital
The route is well served with independent hostels and bunkhouses offering great value accommodation. With walkers in mind, one-night stopovers are easily booked and packed lunches can often be provided (with a little notice). You can either self-cater in the communal kitchens or your hosts will recommend local cafés or pubs for your meals.
Seahouses Hostel. Providing overnight accommodation for walkers on St Oswald’s Way.
Away from tourists
Far less touristy than the honeypot destinations, Northumberland and St Oswald’s Way have so much to offer. Stunning scenery, dark skies, and a well-signed new route that takes you from the iconic coastline through sheltered river valleys up to the atmospheric high moorland. All this without crowds of fellow walkers.
The stunning deserted landscape crossed by St Oswald’s Way as it heads inland.
