Guided Trail on the St Oswald's Way coastal section

46½ miles. 6 to 11½ miles and up to 575 feet of ascent.

Day 1: Arrival day

Day 2: Holy Island to Swinhoe Farm - Commencing at Lindisfarne Priory, on Holy Island, St Oswald’s Way heads towards the mainland, via the tide-exposed Causeway. Continuing over farmland with fine views, the Way heads to Fenwick Granary and on to the small village of Fenwick then into Shiellow Woods. Once out of the woods fine views back to Holy Island briefly open up. Our route then leads by Dow Crag and Fawcet Hill before entering Virgin Hill Wood. Here Swinhoe Lake is passed before we reach our destination for the day, Swinhoe Farm. Distance: 10½ miles with 575 feet of ascent

Day 3: Swinhoe Farm to Bamburgh - Our coach will return us to Swinhoe Farm from where the route immediately ascends to Weetside Crag, giving possible views of three castles. Rolling farmland leads into Belford, passing Westhall, the Norman church and 18th-century Belford Hall. From Belford we head back towards the coast, pass Spindlestone Heughs, cross the golf course overlooking Budle Bay, and enter the charming village of Bamburgh from the north. The much-photographed Bamburgh Castle, once seat of the Kings of Northumbria, and the Grace Darling Museum, are symbols of Bamburgh’s connection to the past. Distance: 8½ miles with 350 feet of ascent

Day 4: Bamburgh to Low Newton - Today we take the beach option, heading south on award-winning golden sands with good views of the Farne Islands. The Way leads on to Seahouses, a popular tourist centre and the embarkation point for visits to the Farne Islands. We leave Seahouses at the harbour and head for the small fishing village of Beadnell which has the only west-facing port on the east coast of England. The historic limekilns, now owned by the National Trust, can be found near the harbour. Continuing south we cross the sandy expanse of Beadnell Bay to reach Newton Links, then on to the tiny settlement of Low Newton where our coach will collect us. Distance 10 miles with 125 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: Low Newton to Alnmouth - Leaving Low Newton, St Oswald’s Way continues south, drawn by the spectacular ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle around Embleton Bay. Having passed by the castle (visit may be possible) a grassy track leads all the way to the fishing village of Craster. Leaving Craster and its harbour behind, the volcanic Cullernose Point is reached, followed by the geologist’s delight that is Howick Bay. Along the way a Mesolithic settlement is passed with a chance to visit the site of a recreated hut, and Boulmer is the next village. This is the home of the Sea King search-and-rescue helicopters, and was historically a notorious centre for smuggling activities. Just to the south of Boulmer we reach Alnmouth, the location of our HF Holidays’ Country House, Nether Grange, and the end of today’s stage. Distance: 11½ miles with 300 feet of ascent

Day 7: Alnmouth to Warkworth - The final stage is a fitting climax to the walk and happens to be the least taxing. After a leisurely start from Nether Grange we refresh our knowledge of Alnmouth then join the cycle track leading all the way to Warkworth. The Way leaves the cycle track to head for Buston Links and the beach. A visit to Church Hill may be possible. The beach or a dune footpath can now be followed towards Warkworth, with good views of Coquet Island and Amble. On entering Warkworth the River Coquet is met and followed for a short time until we ascend the path leading to the substantial Warkworth Castle, former residence of the Percy family, and the end of our week’s walking. Distance: 6 miles with 100 feet of ascent

Day 8: Departure day