St Oswald’s Way

St Oswald’s Way is a long-distance walking route in northern England which connects Lindisfarne in the north to Hadrian’s Wall in the south.

History of St Oswald’s Way

The 97 mile (156 km) hiking trail links the places associated with St Oswald, King of Northumbria in the early 7th century, while incorporating scenic landscapes and other monuments. King Oswald played a large role in the promotion of Christianity in Northumbria.

The path follows the Northumbrian coast south, before reaching Hadrian’s Wall and Heavenfield. At Heavenfield, Oswald defeated a Welsh army commanded by Cadwallon ap Cadfan, King of Gwynedd, in 633 or 634. Following the Battle of Heavenfield, Oswald reunited the regions of Deira with Bernicia to become king of all of Northumbria.

The route was launched in 2006 and includes historical sites such as Bamburgh castle, where the coastal fortress looms over the sand dunes and beach.

St Oswald’s Way today

St Oswald’s Way is divided into six sections from north to south. The first connects Holy Island and Bamburgh in a 19 mile route, while the last connects Kirkwhelpington with Heavenfield in a 17.5 mile route.

Getting to St Oswald’s Way

The route of St Oswald’s Way begins at Holy Island on the Northumberland Coast, though the route of St Oswald’s Way can be completed in different sections and from south to north. The sites can all be accessed independently of the trail.