Walking St Oswald's Way and Northumberland Coast Path : Heavenfield and Cresswell to Holy Island

Or follow the Northumberland Coast Path (71½ miles/115km), tracing the breathtaking shoreline from Cresswell to Berwick-upon-Tweed, where sweeping beaches, dramatic castles, and panoramic sea views await at every turn. Ideal for walkers of all abilities, both St Oswald's Way and the Northumberland Coast Path are easy long-distance walks with no technical or exposed sections. This comprehensive Cicerone guidebook divides the trails into manageable daily stages and provides advice for flexible itineraries, allowing you to walk at your own pace, whether over a week or in shorter sections. Explore the historic sites of Warkworth Castle, Bamburgh Castle, and the iconic Holy Island (Lindisfarne), as well as the Simonside Hills, Coquet Valley, and the vast sandy beaches along the Northumberland Coast AONB. Both routes showcase Northumberland's rich heritage, from Norman churches and medieval abbeys to dramatic castles and archaeological sites. Enjoy quiet villages, Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), and outstanding local hospitality. Each stage features detailed route summaries with distances, walking times, and practical advice about accommodation, public transport, and facilities in key locations such as Rothbury, Warkworth, Bamburgh, Craster, Holy Island, and Berwick-upon-Tweed. Navigate confidently with OS Landranger (1:50,000) maps and downloadable GPX files supported by expert planning advice. Watch for remarkable wildlife including red squirrels and roe deer in Northumberland's forests and hills, otters in the rivers, and coastal species such as grey seals, puffins, terns, and vast flocks of migratory birds at Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve and Fenham Flats. The trails can be walked year-round, though May to August offers the finest weather and landscape colour. Plan your adventure with confidence and immerse yourself in the history, landscapes, and wildlife of one of Britain's most unspoilt regions.