St Oswald's Way | 9 Days
- Arriving on Lindisfarne before your walk and exploring Lindisfarne Castle and Priory.
- The abundance of religious and local history.
- Following the breathtaking Northumberland Coastline and staying in seaside villages.
- Trying out the famous oak-smoked kippers in Craster.
- Walking through the heather-clad moors of the Simonside Hills.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Lindisfarne and overnightArrive in Lindisfarne and check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore the nearby sights.

You will be guaranteed a warm welcome when you check in at the Manor House Hotel! Their recently refurbished Island Bar is open throughout the day for tea and coffee, or for those who fancy a tipple or two they serve an array of wines, spirits and beers including the locally produced Lindisfarne mead. The restaurant and garden are also open daily for lunch and dinner; whenever possible their dishes are prepared from seasonal and local produce.

The Lindisfarne Hotel was built in 1902 and has been fully modernised with 8 refurbished en-suite rooms, which have all the amenities that you require for a comfortable night’s stay. They also have a guest lounge and dining room, patio and grassed garden area for those warm summer evenings.

Formerly called the Northumberland Arms it was during 1995 that a major renovation programme was undertaken and the business was renamed as The Ship Inn, although the Islanders still affectionately refer to the pub as "The Tavern". The Ship Inn is now proud of being awarded a 4 star hotel rating by the English Tourist Council and it's great reputation for the food and drink that it serves. They offer a wide variety of ales, beers, wines and spirits and each meal is cooked using local fresh ingredients.
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 the higher ground you will be amazed by the views around you. As accommodation is quite limited in Belford, you may be transferred to Seahouses for your overnight stay tonight and we will transfer you back to Belford the next morning to continue your walk.
Approximate Ascent: 180m / Descent: 185m

Market Cross Guest House is 200 years old and formerly part of a coaching house where Steve and Amanda offer you luxury accommodation and excellent food. Each room has its own en-suite shower room or bathroom all with soft fresh bath sheets, bathrobes and complimentary toiletries including local handmade soaps from Ginger Duck. If you’re not relaxed enough already, on the landing between the bedrooms is a console table where you can help yourself to a glass of sherry or Lindesfarne Mead.

Once an elegant coaching inn this charming hotel is set in fine gardens at the heart of Northumberland’s scenic countryside. All 28 rooms are on-suite and reflect the historic character of the hotel whilst providing all the modern conveniences you would expect, all rooms are decorated to a high standard and well-equipped to suit everyone’s needs with some offering a view of the garden.
From Belford the path heads East to Budle Bay and then reaches the attractive village of Bamburgh. 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.
Approximate Ascent: 15m / Descent: 55m

Situated above the old lime kilns by the harbour in the popular coastal resort Seahouses is The Bamburgh Castle Inn, a friendly Northumberland inn with 30 en suite bedrooms. You will be assured of a warm welcome at this seaside location on the stunning North East coast. Add great food with lots of local flavours, real ales, wraparound views, beer garden and excellent accommodation and you'll discover there's simply no better place to eat, drink, stay and relax on the Northumberland coastline.
Centrally located in the old part of Seahouses, The Bakehouse offers quality en-suite bed and breakfast. Recently restored and furnished they offer a private lounge for guests, with open fire and a 32 inch flat screen TV. All the village amenities are a short walk away. There is superior double/twin en-suite rooms equipped with 2 seater sofa, fridge, hospitality tray, tea & coffee facilities, luxury bed linen, towels and bathrobes.
Your hosts, Brian and Moira, are a local couple who have been in the hospitality industry for a number of years and are always available to help. The rooms are tastefully decorated and all rooms also have hairdryers, tea & coffee facilities and luxury bed linen and towels. They are able to do laundry for you if time permits for a small fee. Breakfast is served in the dining room which overlooks the garden and has a sitting area where you are able to relax.
Heading south you pass another 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. As accommodation is quite limited in Craster, you may be transferred to Warkworth for your overnight stay tonight and we will transfer you back to Craster the next morning to continue your walk.
Approximate Ascent: 10m / Descent: 10m

The Cottage Inn provides B&B accommodation just outside the pretty village of Craster. All bedrooms have been renovated to a comfortable standard, room are en-suite with flat screen TV’s, garden views, complimentary bathroom products, hairdryers and complementary beverage tray. During your stay you will be able to sample some of Northumberland’s best foods and ales, they are committed to using local produce where possible. They pride themselves on their cask conditioned ales and always have a good selection from the local micro-breweries.

This is a lovely B&B set in its own grounds surrounded by fields and woods near Craster. Rooms are comfortably furnished and have all the amenities you require for a great overnight stay. They have a seating area exclusively for guests and free Wi-Fi.
The Dunstanburgh Castle Hotel is in the heart of Embleton, a picturesque village on the Northumberland coast, set within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. All rooms are en-suite with flat screen TV’s, hair dryers and complimentary hot drinks tray. They use only the best of local seasonal produce, sourced almost exclusively from small local suppliers. Their commitment to fresh and ethically produced food has earned them awards from Taste of Northumberland and Alnwick Food Festival.
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.
Approximate Ascent: 75m / Descent: 90m

This boutique bed and breakfast rooms opened in May 2017. All rooms have been decorated and furnished to a very high standard with Voyage Maison wall art and fabrics and Barker and Stonehouse furniture. You will enjoy a warm welcome along with a hearty breakfast which is served downstairs in the café.

In the heart of the village of Warkworth, this 18th-century coaching inn offers comfortable accommodation with a range of rooms, each with a digital flat-screen TV and an en suite bathroom. Some also have luxurious toiletries.
The Sun Hotel is a 17th Century Coaching Inn in Warkworth. The hotel is set opposite Warkworth Castle, on the banks of the River Coquet.
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.
Approximate Ascent: 220m / Descent: 105m
The Queens Head is a family run pub and has been in the same hands for the last 12 years. All the rooms have en-suite facilities, central heating, flat screen TV’s, tea/coffee hospitality trays with biscuits and hairdryers. The restaurant is light and airy and has friendly staff; the overall effect is a laid back relaxed atmosphere where you can linger over a coffee or after dinner drinks. Breakfast is served in the homely first floor dining room for residents only.
The Anglers Arms is a traditional Northumbrian coaching inn, restaurant and guesthouse offering Bed and Breakfast accommodation. Rooms are en-suite with colour TV, direct dial telephone, iron & ironing board, hairdryer and alarm clock.
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 the 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 to Knowesgate. Knowesgate doesn't have any options for accommodations so you will likely be transferred at the end of your walk to Chollerford or Humshaugh.
Approximate Ascent: 500m / Descent: 355m

Hallbarns is a detached farmhouse, on a working farm, situated on the edge of Hadrian's wall.

Linden House is the perfect escape for walkers offering lovely accommodation with friendly hosts. The house is a large Grade II listed property, all rooms have en-suite facilities and have all the amenities you require for a lovely overnight stay. The views from your room across the valley are absolutely stunning and completely unspoilt.

This old-school tearoom and B&B is great for walkers. The country-casual rooms feature TVs, free WiFi, and tea and coffeemaking equipment. All are on the first floor and accessed by stairs. Full English or continental breakfast is provided in the old-world tearoom on the ground floor. There's also a garden with tables, chairs and umbrellas, as well as a gift shop.
The final section of the St. Oswald's 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. There is no public transport from Heavenfield and no accommodation so we will book your last night's accommodation in either Chollerford or Humshaugh which are 2 or 3 miles respectively from Heavenfield.
Approximate Ascent: 325m / Descent: 325m

Hallbarns is a detached farmhouse, on a working farm, situated on the edge of Hadrian's wall.

Linden House is the perfect escape for walkers offering lovely accommodation with friendly hosts. The house is a large Grade II listed property, all rooms have en-suite facilities and have all the amenities you require for a lovely overnight stay. The views from your room across the valley are absolutely stunning and completely unspoilt.

This old-school tearoom and B&B is great for walkers. The country-casual rooms feature TVs, free WiFi, and tea and coffeemaking equipment. All are on the first floor and accessed by stairs. Full English or continental breakfast is provided in the old-world tearoom on the ground floor. There's also a garden with tables, chairs and umbrellas, as well as a gift shop.
After breakfast, your walking holiday will come to an end. See the Travel Info section for some useful details for your onward travel.
This trip has a carbon score of 9kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 9kg is equivalent to 5.5 avocados. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?The St. Oswald's Way is a glorious walk through Northumberland's coastline. If you are a budding historian, then the plethora of sites of interest that are scattered along the route will appeal greatly.
Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!
Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.
Solo Travellers
The St Oswald’s Way 9 Day / 8 night is graded Moderate and the slightly shorter version of the 8 day / 7 night is graded Moderate to Strenuous as there due to some long days towards the end. The "Best of" Itinerary is however graded as Easy to Moderate.
Generally, the terrain will be varied with some rough and rugged footpaths, with ascent and descent involved, so a good level of fitness will be required. The route also includes a few sections where you are required to climb over a dry stone wall on a ladder stile, extra care should be taken at these points.
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.
The route is waymarked with the ‘St Oswald’s Way logo - a bold black arrow (normally on wooden posts or signs). We provide you with a comprehensive guidebook and the maps and GPX tracks are also available through our smartphone app, so you shouldn’t have any problem finding your way.
- 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.
- 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.
- Additional nights before, during or after your walk.
You can start this walking tour on any day of your choice between April and mid-September. An extended season into the end of September/October is on offer. However due to luggage transfer restrictions solo walkers cannot travel on these tours at this time
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.
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.
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.
The distances and ascent/descents are approximations of the recommended routes.
Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and trousers), sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a daypack.
It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.
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 cardiovascular 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.
We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as St Oswalds 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.
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.
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.
Yes, we recommend you check the tidal chart for your arrival day into Holy Island (lindisfarne) and also for your first days walking to make sure that you can cross the causeway. Check out the safe tide crossings here.
Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate walkers with dogs as many of the accommodation providers we use do not accept pets.
You can use public transport or local taxis to continue to your next overnight stop.
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