St Oswald’s Way – Stage 5 – Rothbury to Kirkwhelpington.
September 12, 2023Scaling Blencathra: Thrilling Ascend via Scale Tarn and Hair-Raising Sharp Edge
October 13, 2023St Oswald’s Way – Stage 5 – Rothbury to Kirkwhelpington.
September 12, 2023Scaling Blencathra: Thrilling Ascend via Scale Tarn and Hair-Raising Sharp Edge
October 13, 2023St Oswald’s Way – Stage 6 – Kirkwhelpington to Heavenfields.
This is the final stage of the 97-mile St Oswald’s Way. We now head from Kirkwhelpington to Heavenfields, a varied 17.4-mile day walk.
Join us on a captivating adventure as we unveil the hidden treasures of St Oswald’s Way Stage 6. This comprehensive guide explores the breathtaking journey from Kirkwhelpington to Heavenfields, offering insights, tips, and stunning videos that will inspire your next hiking expedition. Discover the rich history, picturesque landscapes, and must-see attractions along this incredible trail, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable pilgrimage through Northumberland’s beauty.
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.
For all St Oswald’s Way route and Maps.
Turn by Turn Directions
Stage 6 of the walk starts from Kirkwhelpington, where we concluded Stage 5 of the walk. Kirkwhelpington is a picturesque little village, where we pass the Church of St Bartholomew (Video 4:25), before heading over the upper reaches of the River Wansbeck (Video 4:35) and leaving Kirkwhelpington behind us.
Our route takes up into the fields and the fells, where we start to get some great views across the Northumberland countryside (Video 6:00). Our route takes us over the open countryside, passing crags on our way before we reach Great Bavington, which dates back to the 14th Century (Video 6:20). Our route continues across the fields and the fells on our way to Little Bavington, which is a small hamlet and the destination of Bavington Hall (Video 9:30).
The route now takes us on single-track roads until we reach Hallington (Video 10:45), again a small hamlet and the location of Hallington Hall. Continuing, we pass the Hallington Memorial, before ascending slightly with some great views (Video 12:25) looking back over our route.
As we continue over the fells and fields we can appreciate the magnificent scenery of Northumberland (Video 14:00) before reaching Great Whittington (15:00). As we leave the village we pass the remains of Whittington Mill (Video 15:55), the windmill dates back to the 18th century.
The route now leads to the course of the Hadrian’s Wall, and all its history (Video 18:10). After around 6 miles we conclude St Oswald’s Way at Heavenfields and 18th century Church of St Oswald’s (Video 20:20).
This concludes St Oswald’s Way; please click on any of the links below to explore each stage of what has been a great walk and adventure.
Outdoor Catch-Up:
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Resources used whilst bringing you this walk…
Mapping and Directions:
OS Map App – Ordnance Survey Maps and routing
Maps – Ordnance Survey Maps
Compass – Must have
Equipment used:
Jacket – Rab Microlight Alpine Jacket – Equipment Review
Jacket – Montane Gravity Gore-Tex Jacket
Footwear – Merrell Accentor Sport GTX
Boots – Scarpa Rush Trek GTX – Equipment Review
Trousers – Montane BMC Terra Pants
Waterproof Trousers – Mountain Hardwear Epic Pant
Socks – 1000 mile wool fusion double layer
Head Torch – Lifesystems Intensity 220 Head Torch – Equipment Review
Backpack – Hi Gear Active22
Bladder – Camelbak 2.5L Hydration Reservoir
Camera Kit
GoPro 5 – Go anywhere action camera
hohem iSteady Pro 4-Gimbal stabiliser – Making your video professional
Lavalier Microphone – Capture professional audio
Insta360 ONE X2-360 Degree Camera – bringing video to a new dimension
Insta360 3M (10ft) Invisible Selfie Stick – make it look like a drone
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Other Walks & How to equipment guides you may be interested in:
Other Walks:
St Oswald’s Way – Stage 5 Rothbury to Kirkwhelpington
St Oswald’s Way – Stage 4 – Warkworth to Rothbury
St Oswald’s Way – Stage 3 – Craster to Warkworth
St Oswald’s Way – Stage 2 – Bamburgh to Craster
St Oswald’s Way – Stage 1 – Holy Island to Bamburgh
Ingram Valley – Linhope – Ravenhill
Hen Hole, Three Sisters, Dunsdale & The Cheviot – What Great Walking.
Historic Market Town of Morpeth, Surrounding Countryside & River Walking.
Simonside Hills Circular in the Northumberland National Park.
Expert Review links:
Plan Watch Walk – Expert Reviews.
How to buy – The best Waterproof Jacket.
How to but – The best Walking Trousers.