Guided Trail on the St Oswald's Way inland section

50½ miles. 7 to 12½ miles and up to 1,000 feet of ascent.

Day 1: Arrival day

Day 2: Warkworth to Weldon Bridge - We leave Alnmouth to start the walk at Warkworth Castle south of Nether Grange. Turning our backs on the sea and the imposing castle, the Way heads west to follow the River Coquet valley. It crosses rolling countryside, passes under the main east coast railway line and continues through pleasant farmland before returning to the side of the River Coquet. After a short walk along the river we enter the village of Felton, situated either side of the bridge. After leaving Felton, St Oswald’s Way goes into woodland and along riverside paths to the delightful village of Weldon Bridge and our coach pick up point. Distance: 11½ miles with 400 feet of ascent

Day 3: Weldon Bridge to Lordenshaws - A rewarding day awaits as we return to Weldon Bridge to continue St Oswald’s Way. Today’s route starts along the River Coquet but then crosses farmland and affords us views through the trees down to Brinkburn Priory. After more easy walking the Way heads for the stone bridge at Pauperhaugh and the River Coquet once more. Remaining on the south side of the river we make our way onto the disused railway line near Craghead then descend into Rothbury, ‘capital of Coquetdale’, with fine views across to the Cragside estate. Turning south from Rothbury the Way enters Northumberland National Park, crosses Garleigh Moor and visits Lordenshaws, an iron age hillfort and settlement with its cup-and-ring marked rocks. Distance: 9 miles with 1,000 feet of ascent

Day 4: Lordenshaws to Kirkwhelpington - This longest section is fairly remote, but very varied. From the dropoff point the route immediately ascends to heather-clad open moorland then on to reach the extensive Harwood Forest. We should have glimpses of the scenery to the east, including Fontburn reservoir, on our walk south. The forest is exited near the hamlet of Harwood and the Way follows paths over attractive farmland, offering magnificent far-reaching views, towards Knowesgate, and then onto the scenic small village of Kirkwhelpington, our destination for the day. Distance: 12½ miles with 550 feet of ascent

Day 5: This is a day without any walks programmed, giving you the opportunity to explore the local area independently, or to use the Country House facilities.

Day 6: Kirkwhelpington to Great Whittington - Setting off from Kirkwhelpington most of today will be spent going south. A section of quiet road-walking in open countryside brings us to West Harle farm. From here the route passes Bavington Crags, on its way to the interesting small settlement of Great Bavington. Rolling farmland leads to Little Bavington and some more quiet road-walking passes through Hallington, with the fishing reservoirs to the west. An ascent on to Todridge Fell soon follows, and far-ranging views open up.  The course of an old Roman Road, ‘the Devil’s Causeway’, is crossed on the final section to the agricultural village of Great Whittington where our coach will be waiting to return us to Nether Grange. Distance: 10½ miles with 600 feet of ascent

Day 7: Great Whittington to Heavenfield - Today’s final stage is a fitting climax to the walk and happens to be the least taxing. We set off from Great Whittington towards an old windmill then turn due south until the course of Hadrian’s Wall and the Military Road is reached. The path heads west following the course of Hadrian’s Wall, edging the Stanley Plantation and eventually reaching St Oswald’s Hill Head Farm. It passes sites of turrets, remains of milecastles and the evidence of the Roman Vallum. Shortly after the farm we reach the wooden cross that marks the site of the battle that took place in AD635 at Heavenfield, our journey’s end. Before pickup we will have the chance to visit St Oswald’s Church on the site. Distance: 7 miles with 400 feet of ascent

Day 8: Departure day