St Oswald’s Way – Frequently Asked Questions
We look forward to welcoming you to St Oswald’s Way. If you have any questions prior to your trip please explore our frequently asked questions below.
The path runs through the beautiful county of Northumberland, in the north-east of England. It starts on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne and ends at Heavenfield on Hadrian’s Wall, although it can also be walked in the opposite direction.
The path is now 96 miles (155km) in length, slightly shorter than its original length due to route changes along the coast.
The route was developed with funding from a variety of public bodies and opened in 2006.
St Oswald’s Way runs through a wide variety of Northumberland’s landscapes. The coastal part is fairly flat and the ground tends to be dry. Inland, there are a few climbs but nothing severe, with the highest point about 1,000 feet (300m) above sea level. Parts of the inland sections can be quite muddy after wet weather.
It typically takes about a week to walk the full length of the path, although this can vary enormously.
Oswald was a king of the ancient Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Northumbria, later made into a Christian saint.
See our website page for help: www.stoswaldsway.com/stay
Buses and trains can be used to help walk the route, especially on the coastal section. South of Rothbury, it is more difficult. See the Traveline website or app for help.
There are a variety of businesses that can organise a holiday for you. An internet search will find them.
All of the path is available to dogs, but they must be kept under proper control at all times.
The path is designed as a walking route and much of it is only open for walkers. You might be able to link parts that you can cycle on with other minor roads, bridleways and cycle paths.
See our website page for help: www.stoswaldsway.com/merchandise
See our website page for help: www.stoswaldsway.com/merchandise