St Oswald’s Way
A 96-mile long-distance path in Northumberland. This pilgrim’s route leads from Lindisfarne / Holy Island to Hexham. The first half of the walk is enjoyed along the beautiful Northumberland coast before heading inland and crossing the wild and remote Northumbrian hills to its destination. With map, statistics, and GPX route file.
Statistics and Files
Grid Ref: NU 127 416
Distance: 96 miles (154 km)
Time: 40–48 hours
Duration: 5–9 days
Ordnance Survey Explorer Maps (1:25,000):
OL42 Kielder Water and Forest
OL43 Hadrian’s Wall, Haltwhistle and Hexham
316 Newcastle upon Tyne
325 Morpeth and Blyth
332 Alnwick, Amble, Craster and Whittingham
340 Holy Island and Bamburgh
Summary
St Oswald’s Way is a long-distance footpath exploring some of the finest landscapes of Northumberland and delving into the rich history of the county. The route links places associated with St Oswald, the King of Northumbria in the early 7th century, who played a major part in bringing Christianity to his people.
From Holy Island (Lindisfarne) in the north, St Oswald’s Way heads inland to Fenwick and across Buckton Moor before following woodland and open country trails to Belford. From here, the route tracks east to Bamburgh with its spectacular castle, and then follows the stunning Northumberland coast through North Sunderland and Beadnell to the romantic ruin of Dunstanburgh Castle. Staying on the coast, the route continues to Craster, Boulmer, Alnmouth, and Warkworth before heading inland across beautiful countryside through Felton, past Weldon Bridge to Brinkburn Priory, and then following the River Coquet to Rothbury.
Rothbury Forest and Harwood Forest are then crossed to reach Kirkwhelpington. From there, it is a southerly journey to Great Bavington, Little Bavington, and Great Whittington to reach Milecastle 20 on Hadrian’s Wall. Finally, the Roman wall is followed eastwards to the historic site of Heavenfield at the end of St Oswald’s Way.