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Self Guided Walk

Walk St Oswald’s

Walk HOLIDAY ESSENTIALS

Duration

5-9 Days

Total Distance

98 Miles/158 Kms

Total Ascent

1890 Metres/6200 Feet

Fitness Level

Good

Historic coastal walk of St Oswald’s Way

St Oswald’s Way is a long distance walking route, it was developed in 2006 and explores the stunning varied landscapes and history of Northumberland. You will walk from Holy Island, down the Northumberland Coastline, passing castles and stunning scenery along the way. Finally you will walk inland through Rothbury and over the moors to Chollerford, all while learning about the history of St Oswald’s Way.

Choosing a walking holiday with Northern Adventures means that we will always have your best interests at heart. Although in theory hiking holidays along St Oswald’s Way can be walked throughout the year, the weather in the North of England can be very temperamental! Some of the route is at quite a high level and we always advise walkers to take heed of weather forecasts and to be fully prepared for whatever the English climate can throw at you.

Gallery

Walk St Oswalds Way

Holy Island Monks carving
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Dunstanburgh Castle
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Holy Island Monks carving IMG_2542 Dunstanburgh Castle IMG_5381 IMG_5395 default

Route Highlights of St Oswald’s Way

Holy Island (Lindisfarne)

This enchanting island can only be accessed via a tidal causeway twice a day, but it sure is worth it. Packed with history dating back to 6th century, It has become an important centre of Christianity due to the presence of Saints Aidan and Cuthbert. The island houses the ruins of Lindisfarne Priory and the restored Lindisfarne Castle and is bustling with nature.

Northumberland Coastline

From uncluttered beaches and rolling dunes to picturesque villages, imposing castles and history galore, the North Northumberland coast is undoubtably one of the finest, unspoilt stretches of coastline in the country.

Rothbury

This beautiful market town is the perfect base to explore all Northumberland National Park has to offer! Whether you fancy a jaunt up the Cheviots or a gentle stroll around Cragside House, Rothbury has something for everyone.

Chollerford

Near to Chester’s Roman Fort, this small village is the perfect place to explore Hadrian Wall’s rich history.

Suggested Itinerary: 6 Day Walking Holiday

Grading: Demanding if walked over 7 days.

Day 0 – Arrive in Amble (Overnight Stay)

Day 1 – Transfer: Amble to Holy Island, walk to Bamburgh (19 miles)

Day 2 – Walk from Bamburgh to Craster (14 miles)

Day 3 – Walk from Craster to Warkworth (13.5 miles)

Day 4 – Walk from Warkworth to Rothbury (18 miles)

Day 5 – Walk from Rothbury to Kirkwhelpington (15 miles)

Day 6 – Walk from Kirkwhelpington to Heavenfield (17.5 miles), transfer to Amble

Day 7 – Onward travel

Other Suggested Itineraries

Grading: Demanding if walked over 7 days.

Overview:
  • Day 0 – Arrive in Amble (Overnight Stay)
  • Day 1 – Transfer from Amble to Holy Island, walk to Belford (13 miles)
  • Day 2 – Walk from Belford to Seahouses (11.5 miles)
  • Day 3 – Walk from Seahouses to Craster (10.5 miles)
  • Day 4 – Walk from Craster to Warkworth (13 miles)
  • Day 5 – Walk from Warkworth to Rothbury (18 miles)
  • Day 6 – Walk from Rothbury to Kirkwhelpington (15 miles)
  • Day 7– Walk from Kirkwhelpington to Heavenfield (17.5 miles), transfer to Amble
  • Day 8 – Onward travel

Grading: Demanding if walked over 8 days.

Overview:
  • Day 0 – Arrive in Amble (Overnight Stay)
  • Day 1 – Transfer from Amble to Holy Island, walk to Belford (13 miles)
  • Day 2 – Walk from Belford to Seahouses (11.5 miles)
  • Day 3 – Walk from Seahouses to Craster (10.5 miles)
  • Day 4 – Walk from Craster to Warkworth (13 miles)
  • Day 5 – Walk from Warkworth to Rothbury (18 miles)
  • Day 6 – Walk from Rothbury to Knowesgate (13.5 miles)
  • Day 7 – Walk from Knowesgate to Great Whittington (12 miles)
  • Day 8 – Walk from Great Whittington to Heavenfield or Chollerford (9.5 miles), transfer to Amble
  • Day 9 – Onward travel

Fully Flexible packages on our self guided holidays

All of our trips are fully flexible to your requirements, tell us what you are after and we can try and tailor our packages to suit your requirements, including:

  • Additional nights prior to, during, or after the trip
  • Transfers to the start and from the finish.
  • Collection from the airport, ferry or train station
  • Shortened itinerary where you only want to do a section of the route
  • Extended itinerary where you want to add sightseeing or loop days to the route
  • Large, or corporate group bookings and looking for additional support/guiding

 

You are free to start your walk on any day of your preference between March and October.

We cannot guarantee trips until accommodation availability has been confirmed.

Maps and Information

The route is very well way-marked and you will be provided with the relevant maps, route notes, GPX files and accommodation information.

However, we always recommend that on all of our trips everyone is competent with navigation, especially if the weather changes and you need to make an unscheduled diversion off the route.

Terrain

The terrain of all our routes can be very varied, below is a general guide to what you can expect, and not expect, on this walk:

  • Minor Roads (Tarmac / Asphalt)
  • Paved Footpaths
  • Way-marked public footpaths / bridleways
  • Grassy unpaved open fields
  • Areas of mud / standing water
  • Sandy Beaches
  • Tidal Water
  • Rocky uneven ascents / decents
  • Requirement for “Scrambling”
  • Streams / Water Crossing (wider than 1m)
  • Risk of Slipping

The route starts from Holy Island and follows the relatively flat and easy Northumberland Coastal Path as far as Warkworth, before turning inland and heading towards the more rugged and challenging landscape around Rothbury and the Simonside Hills. The majority of the route is off road on grassy and unpaved paths.

MAP & LOCATION

 

What's Included

Good Quality Accommodation on a B&B basis

All of our accommodation is on a twin/double room sharing, bed and breakfast basis, where possible we will also try and find you en-suite facilities, however this is not always possible in some locations.

Breakfasts will be either cooked or continental and be able to accommodate any food intolerances of preferences providing we are informed of such at least 7 days prior.

Single rooms are available, but will generally attract a supplementary charge.

Many of the accommodations will also provide a packed lunch if required, this will generally need to be booked direct with the accommodations at least 48 hrs prior to arrival and will be chargeable locally.

Daily Baggage Transfers

Our self-guided trips include a baggage transfer service, whereby we will move your excess baggage from accommodation to accommodation each day, allowing you to walk with just minimal emergency equipment, normally just a small backpack. 

Baggage transfer is limited to one bag per person, max weight of 15kg/bag, ideally holdall style bags 

Additional bags or heavier can be transferred if required, however these will be chargeable. 

Transfer to the start of the route

Some of our itineraries will include transfer to the start of from the finish of the walk either as part of the standard package or as an option, please check the individual itinerary.

Maps, Route Notes, GPX Files

You will be given a bespoke map of the route along with general information on the route each day and also a gpx file of the route should you want to download it onto your phone or navigation device

Emergency Recovery

Hopefully all will go smoothly, however accidents and problems can happen. As part of your package we include an emergency rescue service for all of our trips.

Certificate of completion

We all like a “Well done” pat on the back after doing something special or challenging. At Northern Adventures we want you to be able to prove to your friends that you did it by giving you a certificate to say “I DID IT” You will also get one of our super special Northern Adventure Buffs.

What's Not Included

Meals and drinks outside of your package

Any meals or drinks, other than those specifically included in your package.

Travel Insurance

We always recommend that ALL travellers have insurance, even if you are a UK citizen

Taxi or Other Transfers

Taxi or other transfers, other than detailed on your itinerary are not included.

However, additional transfers are available on request.

Parking

If you are coming by car your parking costs will not be included. Though, many places offer free parking for the duration of your trip.

Available Trip Options for St Oswald’s Walking Holiday

Please use our booking form to choose your preferred option, and remember if theres something you don’t see here don’t hesitate to ask!

Duration Options

Optional Extras

Grab your Walking Equipment Packing List

Not sure what to bring? Don’t fret! We have an essentials list so you don’t forget a thing!

DATES & PRICES

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No of People No of Nights No of Days Walking Standard (Guest House) Package Price/Person Luxury (Hotel) Package (where available) Price/Person
Up to 4 7 6 £945 On request
5 – 8 7 6 £925 On request
9 or more 7 6 £905 On request
Up to 4 8 7 £1065 On request
5 – 8 8 7 £1045 On request
9 or more 8 7 £1025 On request
Up to 4 9 8 £1190 On request
5 – 8 9 8 £1170 On request
9 or More 9 8 £1150 On request
Up to 4 10 9 £1310  On request
5 – 8 10 9 £1290  On request
9 or More 10 9 £1270  On request
Single Room Supplement +£60.00/night On request
Solo Walker Supplement + 50% + 50%
 Pets (where allowed) On request On Request

– Prices are for guidance only, there may be seasonal or regional variations based on travel dates and accommodation availability, any variations will be confirmed at time of booking.

– Prices are per person and are based on 2 people sharing a twin or double room on a B&B basis and includes baggage transfers, maps, route notes, emergency recovery and transfers.  Where possible all rooms will be ensuite, however we cannot guarantee this at busier periods.

– Our luxury package is often only available as a double room option, please ask if you require twin rooms.

– Additional nights before or after, or stop overs during your trip can be added.

– PLEASE NOTE: We can tailor any package to fit your specific requirements, just let us know what you require.

** OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION  ON HOLY ISLAND WILL INCUR A MINIMUM £35/PERSON SUPPLEMENT DUE TO INCREASED ACCOMMODATION PRICES AND ACCESS LIMITATIONS. 

PLEASE NOTE THAT ACCOMMODATION IS VERY LIMITED ON THE ISLAND AND WE CANNOT GUARANTEE IT UNTIL BOOKINGS ARE CONFIRMED**

We do offer discounts for family groups with younger children where they are sharing a family room – just contact us to find out more!

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    Safety First

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    Bespoke Experiences

    Tell us what you want, from transfers to pets and extended stays. We can plan unique trips just for you.

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