Journeys 2025
Lindisfarne, Holy Island & St Oswald's Way Highlights
Date
Friday 13th June - Friday 20th June
Nights
7
Cost
£930 for a single occupancy
£850 each for shared twin/double room
Description
St Oswald's Way is a long distance trail (90 miles) which runs from Heavenfield near Hexham, inland through Rothbury, out to Warkworth on the coast and up to Holy Island, (Lindisfarne). Named after Oswald, King of Northumbria from 634 until his death, Oswald was a humble man of God who lived out his Christian faith in works and action, and had a heart especially for the poor, giving away food and money to those who needed it most.
Although there is an invitation for the first day to walk from Heavenfield along part of Hadrian's Wall, our route will mainly concentrate on the beautiful Northumbrian Coastal path. With stunning scenery, and magnificent castles, it is no wonder this area is designated an area of outstanding natural beauty, (AONB). The route does deviate inland after Bamburgh to Belford, and joins St. Cuthbert's Way near to St. Cuthbert's Cave before heading to Lindisfarne and Holy Island. The inland route has a beauty of it's own.
Walks and Excursions
Day 1: Friday 13th June - OPTIONAL.
You are invited if you wish, to join the leaders at Heavenfield on the Wall to begin our pilgrimage. Heavenfield is the site of St Oswald's famous battle, where he erected a cross and prayed all night for victory. There is still a cross on this site today along with a small church and this marks the start of the route of St Oswald's Way long distance walk.
Our optional route is a gentle stroll (with ladder stiles) along Hadrian's Wall. This will take us to a coffee shop for refreshments (at your own expense). Accommodation the night before also at your own expense. 3.5 miles of easy walking along a well walked route.
From here we will drive to Warkworth, (47 miles), stop for a stretch of the legs and ice cream/tea stop before heading to our base at Fenham Farm, near Beal. Warkworth Castle sits high on a hill above the river Coquet. Along the river is the site of an old Hermitage (currently closed to visitors). Both the Castle and Hermitage are managed by English Heritage. It is at Warkworth that St Oswald's Way moves to the coast and meets the Northumberland Coastal Path.
ALTERNATIVELY, you may wish to make your own way to Fenham Farm arriving 4.30pm onwards.
Day 2: Saturday 14th June - Alnmouth to Craster
Alnmouth is a beautiful fishing village on the river Aln. Our walk begins either along the beach (tide permitting) or along the side of the village golf course which runs alongside the beach. We then climb slightly to pass through another golf course where there is an opportunity to stop for morning coffee / toilet break if required. Joining the coastal path again we head towards Craster, passing through Boulmer on the way (Boulmer was known for smuggling). Craster is another small fishing village home to the Craster kippers and very popular with tourists. 7-8 miles of easy walking.
Day 3: Craster to Seahouses
This beautiful walk takes us past the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle which sits on the headland and can be seen for miles around. Our walk takes us around Embleton Bay before we come to the beautiful Beadnell Bay. This glorious golden sweeping bay is about 2 miles long, giving a wonderful walk along the sands and an opportunity to listen to the sea (tidal conditions permitting). As we leave Beadnell Bay and head towards Seahouses, we may catch a glimpse of the Farne Islands in the distance. Our walk finishes at the small harbour in Seahouses, a thriving tourist spot. It is from here the boats leave for the Farne Islands and home to numerous fish & chip shops. 10 -11 miles of easy walking, although walking through the sand dunes can be hard work at times.
Day 4: Seahouses to Belford via Bamburgh
Leaving Seahouses we soon pick up views of the Farne Islands to our right, and we may see a glimpse of Holy Island in the distance. Again, tide permitting, we will walk part of the beach towards Bamburgh, entering the village below the magnificent Bamburgh Castle. After a break, we continue along the coast, before heading inland. We pass through a campsite and fields en-route, finishing in the Market Square at Belford. 10 miles easy to moderate walking, with short climbs, though the fields may be rutted in places.
Day 5: Belford to Fenwick /Fenham Farm
Our route crosses farmland before heading uphill and along farm tracks through Swinhoe Farm, before meeting St. Cuthbert's Way near to St. Cuthbert's Cave. We take a short diversion to the Cave, where we will have space for a reflection. We will then walk through fields and woods to Fenwick, time for a refreshment stop before continuing to our accommodation at Fenham. Some rough walking through the fields, and muddy farmland. Stout shoes/ boots recommended for this stretch. 9.5 miles.
Day 6 Fenham to Holy Island
A leisurely walk from our base through some fields to the causeway at Holy Island. An opportunity for those who wish to walk the 3 mile pilgrim path across the sands to Lindisfarne, following in the footsteps of thousands of pilgrims who have gone before them. Time for lunch/ space to explore/reflect on Holy Island before returning to Fenham by car. 3-5 miles.
Day 7: Away from the Crowds
We return to Holy Island for a walk which explores the less well known places. Starting at the "Snook" taking in long sandy beaches and the Lindisfarne Nature Reserve with magnificent views to the North and the sea. We will look out for the roe deer which roam the dunes, visit the Pyramid at Emmanuel Head (designed as a sail which can be seen from miles around) watch out for seals, visit the bird hide overlooking the Nature Reserve, before circling the Castle and stopping for ice cream / refreshments in the village and finishing at the statue of St Aidan. We return to the Snook by car or on foot. Easy walking 6-8 miles. There are various options to leave the group and return to the village on your own during this walk.
We finish the holiday and depart for home after breakfast on day 8.
Transport
Using a mixture of leaders' cars, mini buses, and public transport will bring us to the start of our walks each day and back to our base again at the end of the walk.
Accommodation
Staying at the fabulous Fenham Farm Coastal Retreat, near Beal, (a great hit with the guests in 2024), this beautifully appointed accommodation is perfect for groups. Situated just off the A1, it has views of Holy Island within a short walking distance. The Estuary and causeway to Holy Island can be seen from the upstairs lounge picture window. It has a well equipped kitchen, where we will self -cater, a large dining area with a courtyard off it; large lounge with comfy sofas/ chairs upstairs where the group can gather each evening for times of reflection. Outside there is a laundry room and drying room available for guests' use.
Comprising 7 bedrooms, 2 in the main house, the granary, and 5 just across the drive. There are 2 double rooms and 5 twins. All rooms are comfortable, spacious and en-suite. (2 bedrooms will be needed for the leaders).
In the spirit of Pilgrimage, it would be really helpful if some guests could share a twin room. If there are 3 friends who wish to share, there is a large bright family room available in the granary. Please speak to Karen or Jo at the time of booking. Please state on your booking form who you wish to share with.
Accommodation address:
Fenham Farm Cottages,
Fenham Farmhouse
Beal
Berwick upon Tweed
TD15 2PL
Getting there
There are regular trains to Berwick upon Tweed which is the nearest train station to Fenham Farm and onward taxi at own expense. If joining at Heavenfield, there are regular trains to Hexham from Carlisle and Newcastle. The leaders may be able to meet you at Hexham and transport you to Heavenfield, 3.5 miles away. Please enquire at time of booking.
Contact
Karen Garrett 07624 415413 spyrrydys@gmail.com
Jo Reed 07928 590155 joannereed05@gmail.com
Paddy Allen 07810 746121 paddyallen27@gmail.com