The Southern Upland Way

Scotland's Coast to Coast trail
Guidebook to the Southern Upland Way, a coast to coast walk through Galloway and the Scottish Borders. One of Scotland's Great Trails, the 347km (215 mile) route links Portpatrick on the west coast to Cockburnspath on the east, through diverse landscapes and rich natural and historical interest. It can be completed in around a fortnight.

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 of Britain’s least-visited and most unspoilt regions. Most days include high ground above 450m, rewarding you with panoramic views and a sense of exhilarating solitude.
• The trail is best enjoyed between April and October, when the days are longer, and the weather is generally more favourable. Guidance is provided on accommodation and public transport links, especially at key points like Beattock/Moffat, and on strategies for both backpacking and supported walking, making the Southern Upland Way accessible to walkers of all levels.
• Navigate the Southern Upland Way confidently with Ordnance Survey (OS) Landranger (1:50,000) maps, downloadable GPX files, and detailed stage-by-stage breakdowns. Each section begins with a summary table of distances and highlights, ensuring you’re well prepared for every day’s adventure.

Plan your Southern Upland Way adventure with confidence and immerse yourself in the wild landscapes, fascinating history, and hidden treasures of southern Scotland, supported every step of the way by your comprehensive Cicerone guidebook.

Contributor: Ronald Turnbull (Revised by)

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