St Oswald's Way Complete Guided Trail Holiday
Follow in the footsteps of the early 7th century King of Northumbria and walk all 97 miles of St Oswalds Way. Later venerated as a saint, Oswald made it his mission to bring Christianity to the kingdom and his namesake walking trail explores some of the finest landscapes and fascinating history northeast England has to offer. From the UNESCO-listed Hadrian’s Wall to the stunning tidal island of Lindisfarne (also known as Holy Island), you’ll journey through miles of glorious countryside and along the best of Northumberland’s National Landscapes-awarded coastline.
What you’ll love
- Walking Northumberland’s coastline from Heavenfield to Holy Island
- Discovering the story of St Oswald
- Soaking up views of the mighty coastal castle at Bamburgh
- Crossing the causeway between Holy Island and the mainland
- Spending time in fishing villages including Craster and Seahouses
- Staying at a former 18th century granary in Alnmouth
What’s included
- Comfortable en-suite rooms in our partner accommodation(s)
- Cooked or continental breakfast every morning
- Daily packed lunches
- Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee
- Guided walks with an experienced HF Holidays Leader
- All transport to and from walks where necessary
Trip Notes
Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival.
Distance: 17.5 miles (28km)
Ascent: 1,330 ft (410m)
Our journey begins at Heavenfield, the site of a decisive victory for Oswald against a combined force of invading Welsh and Mercian armies. We join the Hadrian’s Wall Path for a short section before heading north through rolling Northumberland countryside all the way to Kirkwhelpington.
Distance: 14.5 miles (23.5km)
Ascent: 1,300 ft (390m)
Today’s walk features farmland, forest, and open moorland, all with far-reaching views over Northumberland and Coquet Cairn - the highest point on the route. On our way down into the riverside town of Rothbury, look out for prehistoric cup and ring marks as we pass through Lordenshaws Iron Age hill fort.
Distance: 18 miles (29km)
Ascent: 1,100 ft (340m)
Leaving the pretty market town of Rothbury behind, we steadily ascend a hillside for fantastic views over Cragside Country Park and the impressive Cragside House – a National Trust-owned property that was the first in the world to be lit by hydroelectric power. In the picturesque Coquet Valley, we’ll follow riverside paths and woodland trails all the way to Warkworth with its impressive castle, tearooms, and equally tempting chocolate shop.
Distance: 18 miles (29km)
Ascent: 1,030 ft (320m)
From Warkworth, St Oswald’s Way follows the spectacular Northumberland coast. We’ll pass our characterful country house in Alnmouth, stop by the former smugglers haunt at Boulmer, and continue to High Newton. One of the biggest highlights of the day is marvelling at Dunstanburgh Castle – a romantic sea-facing ruin perched high on the rocks overlooking Embleton Bay.
Distance: 17.5 miles (28km)
Ascent: 870 ft (270m)
Our coastal walk today rewards with outstanding scenery over Dunstanburgh and out to the Farne Islands Nature Reserve. From Embleton Bay we’ll make our way through Beadnell’s old harbour and the busy port of Seahouses to Bamburgh – the beautiful village cherished for its historic castle. We’ll continue over the golden sands of Budle Bay before rounding off in Belford where there’s time for a well-earned cuppa and a cake or a pint of local ale at the 18th century Blue Bell Hotel.
Distance: 11.5 miles (19.5km)
Ascent: 690 ft (210m)
Our final day on this famous trail sees us reach the jewel in Northumberland’s crown, the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. We’ll cross the tidal causeway to this sacred place where you can learn about the ancient monks who built their priory here nearly 1,400 years ago and the 8th century manuscript known as the Lindisfarne Gospels. Top it all with the chance to try some of the island’s famous mead and celebrate your success in completing St Oswalds Way.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
Nether Grange
You can tell that you’re in for something special at this former 18th century granary in the heart of Alnmouth – the postcard-pretty coastal village treasured for its colourful cottages, superb walking routes, and peaceful beach where the River Aln meets the North Sea (in its heyday, it was a working river-port, exporting grain, wool, coal, and even the odd pipe of Madeira wine). Not only will you be a 40-minute drive from Northumberland National Park, but also within easy travelling distance of several visit-worthy castles, including Alnwick, Lindisfarne, Dunstanburgh, and Warkworth. If the weather’s nice, a boat trip to the Farne Islands that lie just offshore midway between the villages of Seahouses and Bamburgh rewards with sightings of England's largest grey seal colonies.
Rooms
Designed with your comfort in mind, Nether Grange has 36 well-appointed guest rooms available in two categories: Classic and Premium.
Classic Rooms are comfortable en-suite guest rooms, ideal for a peaceful night's sleep. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, and shower gel), and a TV.
Premium Rooms are more spacious en-suite guest rooms. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers, and comfortable mattresses.
We love: The sea-facing rooms are especially lovely.
The Choose Your Room service is available at our UK country houses, allowing you the option of choosing and confirming a specific room for an extra charge of £30 per room. This is subject to availability. Upgrade supplements apply.
Check in & check out
You are welcome to check in from 4:00pm at the earliest. On arrival, you’ll enjoy a complimentary cream tea and get to meet your fellow guests, our HF Holidays Leaders, and the rest of the friendly team.
On the day of departure, we kindly ask all guests to check out by 10:00am. You’ll be asked to settle your bill prior to leaving. You may, of course, make a charitable donation to our HF Holidays Pathways Fund if you wish. Please note that we only accept card payments.
Room supplements
| Premium single | Premium double/twin | Choose your room |
| £20 pppn | £20 pppn | £30 per room |
About your stay
A warm welcome
We want you to feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. You’ll find a welcome pack in your room with guest registration forms, menus, order forms for dinners and picnic lunches, the Wi-Fi password, and the front door code. Our houses are locked at night, so we recommend noting the Duty Manager’s number on arrival in case of an emergency (or getting locked out).
Evening entertainment
While evening entertainment varies from house to house, the HF Holidays Big Pub Quiz held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays Leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided walking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.
Walks talks
Our HF Holidays Leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s walking delights (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.
The walking day
Prior to setting off on walks, your HF Holidays Leader will run you through a short safety briefing. There’s also an up-to-date weather forecast on display at the house to ensure you have appropriate clothing and footwear. If you choose to do your own walks or are on a self-guided walking holiday, we ask that you please complete an Independent Walker Card each day. These can be found near the Discovery Point in the house.
Food & drink
Led by experienced chefs, we serve a wide range of dishes made with fresh and seasonal ingredients. We always aim to source the best produce available and use home-grown herbs and vegetables from our own gardens whenever possible. Additionally, we have a licensed bar with beers, soft drinks, and a superb selection of spirits. Full-board comes as standard and includes a cream tea on arrival and a hearty breakfast on departure day.
HF Holidays understands the importance of managing allergens effectively to ensure food is safe for guests with food allergies. Whilst we are always able to confidently inform guests which allergens are present in our ingredients and dishes, we are unable to guarantee absolute freedom from the 14 main allergens in our kitchens. Vegetarian and vegan menu choices are available. If you have allergies, food intolerances, or any special dietary requirements, please inform our reservation team at the time of booking.
Accessibility
For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Nether Grange
Getting to Nether Grange
Find out more about this location including travel details and room types.
More InformationEssential information
The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather that’s sunny one minute and raining the next. To make it easier, here’s a list of items you should consider packing.
Essentials
- Suitable footwear such as waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip
- Waterproof and windproof jacket, preferably insulated
- Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)
- Waterproof overtrousers
- Gloves and a warm hat (or sunhat)
- Rucksack
- Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)
- A small torch
- Sunscreen
- Mobile phone and portable charger
- Watch
- UV sunglasses
Recommended
- Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve)
- Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters
- First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent
- Sit mat
- Spare pair of socks
- Energy snacks
- Waterproof pouch for valuables
- Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)
- Wallet/purse
Optional extras
- Walking poles, useful for descents
- Flask for hot drinks
- Durable lunch box
- Gaiters
- Blister kit
- Waterproof rucksack liner
- Head torch
- GPS device
Nether Grange Calendar
- Guided Walking
- Self-Guided Walking
- Special Interests
- Unavailable to Book
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
Non-member fee: £30 per person.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take an alternative route, or vary the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
Holiday prices
| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | ||||||||
|
02 Aug - 09 Aug 2024 7 nights |
Guided Trail 2024
Single Call to Enquire
Double from £1,199 £1,149 pp |
from £1,199 £1,149 pp |
Call to Enquire | Save £50 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
7 nights
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£1,149pp
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