The Southern Upland Way is Scotland’s only coast to coast long distance footpath and Britain’s first official coast to coast. It stretches from Portpatrick in the west to Cockburnspath in the east, a distance of 212 miles (340kms). To walk the complete route would take you around 10 to 14 days depending on fitness and weather. However in Dumfries and Galloway section (120 miles) there has been a booklet written by Dumfries and Galloway Council Ranger Service which details a number of circular day walks taking in all or part of the Way. This can be obtained locally from Tourist Information Centres or by sending a A5 SAE (two first class stamps please) to the Ranger Service at 4 Market Street, Castle Douglas DG7 1JF.

Don’t be put off by thinking the Way is beyond you! It does not go over the tops of high mountains, but instead often follows the valley bottoms taking you through some of the most beautiful scenery in Southern Scotland. Although some map reading skills are advisable the route itself is well waymarked with fingerposts and waymarkers with the white thistle emblem of Scottish long distance walking routes on them (as seen in the photo opposite). The Way offers a real challenge for the experienced walker, yet some stretches are suitable for families and the less ambitious.

There are official maps and guide books (sold as a package) for the route that can be bought from most good book shops. These are well worth the money and will assist you finding out more about the history and culture of the area you are passing through.

It would be too difficult to do the Way justice here in a short article so I will include a few pictures in the gallery section of this web site where you might get some idea of what the route looks like. Any further queries should be directed to the Ranger Service through the route’s official web site at www.dumgal.gov.uk/southernuplandway they also produce a free accommodation leaflet, which is available on request.