St Oswald’s Way – Stage 4 – Warkworth to Rothbury.
August 17, 2023
St Oswald’s Way – Stage 6 – Kirkwhelpington to Heavenfields
September 26, 2023
St Oswald’s Way – Stage 4 – Warkworth to Rothbury.
August 17, 2023
St Oswald’s Way – Stage 6 – Kirkwhelpington to Heavenfields
September 26, 2023

St Oswald’s Way – Stage 5 – Rothbury to Kirkwhelpington.

This is the forth stage of the 97-mile St Oswald’s Way.  We now head from Rothbury to Kirkwhelpington., a varied 14.6-mile day walk.

Embark on a captivating journey through time and nature as we delve into the historical wonders of St. Oswald’s Way. Join us on Stage 5 of the trail, as we trace the path from Rothbury to Kirkwhelpington. Immerse yourself in picturesque landscapes, ancient landmarks, and the stories they hold. Get ready for an unforgettable hiking experience that bridges the past and present.

Other resources:

Don’t forget to access/download the full route and mapping on OS Maps by clicking the walk map below.

Need to get the right equipment for your walk – explore our reviews.

Why not sign up to Plan Watch Walks ‘Outdoor Catch-Up’, a fortnightly circular with all of the best deals.

For all St Oswald’s Way route and Maps.

Turn by Turn Directions

Stage 5 of the walk starts at Rothbury, where we concluded Stage 4 of the walk.  It is worth spending some time at Rothbury to explore which is surrounded by beautiful scenery and is based in the heart of Northumberland with a bustling high street (Video complication from 4:10)

We commence this stage of the walk on the southern side of the River Coquet (Video 5:30) and head up onto the moors and the fells.  After heading through the picturesque hamlet of Whitton we come to Sharpe’s Folly (Video 6:10) dating back to 1720-1758.  As we continue down the market trail we have some spectacular views across the countryside towards the Simonside Hills (Video 7:20).

 

We now have some great walking over the moors, with excellent views from the Simonside Hills across the Northumberland coast, where we have previously walked on this trail.  As we pass Spylaw we come to Forest Burn (Video 13:00), which is very picturesque.  Once you exit the burn, be careful not to lose your way on the fells, using your map, GPS and compass is required at this point.

 

We now head over the moors on our way to Harwood Forest (Video 12:25), and numerous forest trails.  After passing Fallowless (Video 17:45), we come to Fallowless Burn (Video 18:30) and a picturesque section of the walk along the burn towards Redpath.

We leave Harwood Forest and have a short section of walking on the road (Video 20:16) before heading towards Fairnley and onwards towards Catcherside Plantation (Video 20:40).  We continue along the trail passing Catcherside and then West Whitehill, where we can see Kirkwhelpington for the first time (Video 22:45), and the conclusion of this stage of St Oswald’s Way.

The trail takes us across the fields and into Kirkwhelpington itself.

The final stage takes us from Kirkwhelpington across the fells and fields to the path of the Roma Wall and our conclusion at Haven Fields.

 

Outdoor Catch-Up:

Why not sign up to Plan Watch Walk ‘Outdoor Catch-Up’, a fortnightly circular with all of the best deals.

Resources used whilst bringing you this walk…

 

Mapping and Directions:

OS Map AppOrdnance Survey Maps and routing

Maps Ordnance Survey Maps

Compass Must have

 

Equipment used:

JacketRab Microlight Alpine JacketEquipment Review

Jacket Montane Gravity Gore-Tex Jacket

FootwearMerrell Accentor Sport GTX

Boots – Scarpa Rush Trek GTXEquipment Review

TrousersMontane BMC Terra Pants

Waterproof TrousersMountain Hardwear Epic Pant

Socks1000 mile wool fusion double layer

Head TorchLifesystems Intensity 220 Head TorchEquipment Review

Backpack Hi Gear Active22

BladderCamelbak 2.5L Hydration Reservoir

 

Camera Kit

GoPro 5Go anywhere action camera

hohem iSteady Pro 4-Gimbal stabiliserMaking your video professional

Lavalier MicrophoneCapture professional audio

Insta360 ONE X2-360 Degree Camerabringing video to a new dimension

Insta360 3M (10ft) Invisible Selfie Stickmake it look like a drone

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