The Southern Upland Way

Discover the Southern Upland Way (215 miles/347km), Scotland’s pioneering coast-to-coast trail traversing the entire width of the Southern Uplands from Portpatrick on the Irish Sea to Cockburnspath on the North Sea. This remarkable route weaves through moorland, high hills, wooded river valleys, and striking coastal scenery, offering ever-changing landscapes and a wealth of hidden gems along the way. Ideal for seasoned trekkers and adventurous newcomers alike, the Southern Upland Way is one of Scotland’s Great Trails and the UK’s most remote waymarked long-distance path. Divided into 14 manageable daily stages, the comprehensive Cicerone guidebook provides route summaries, a stage-by-stage planning itinerary, and practical advice to help you walk the trail in its entirety or in shorter sections, whether over a fortnight, a series of weekends, or as day walks. Explore the dramatic Galloway Hills, Carsphairn range, Lowthers, Ettrick Hills, Manor Hills, Minch Moor, and Lammermuirs, passing through quiet hill villages, welcoming B&Bs, and remote bothies. The Southern Upland Way also offers wild camping opportunities and flexible vehicle pick-up and drop-off options to suit every itinerary. Uncover the rich history and heritage of southern Scotland: visit Castle Kennedy Gardens, the Covenanters’ memorials, the historic lead mining village of Wanlockhead, fortified pele towers and bastles, Traquair House, the iconic Melrose Abbey, Thirlestane Castle, and ancient prehistoric cairns. Elegant towns like Moffat and Melrose provide charming stopovers on the Southern Upland Way, while each stage features concise information on places of interest, local history, and points of cultural significance. The Southern Upland Way offers a true sense of discovery, leading walkers through one…