History
The Southern Upland Way opened in 1984 and was the UK's first officially recognised coast-to-coast long-distance route. It was one of the original four formally designated long-distance routes in Scotland.
It runs from Portpatrick in the west to Cockburnspath in the east, and cuts across the lines of the hills rather than following the valleys. It was planned for walkers only, but many stiles have since been replaced by gates for horse riders and cyclists. Between Stranraer and Melrose it forms part of the E2 European long distance path.
The route is maintained by Dumfries and Galloway Council and Scottish Borders Council, with a short section in South Lanarkshire.
Sources: Scotland's Great Trails: Southern Upland Way; Wikipedia: Southern Upland Way; DGTrails: Southern Upland Way
Facts
- Code
- UK 013 (provisional)
- Distance
- 214 miles (344 km). We measure 217 miles
- Sections
- 3
- Type
- Linear
- Opened
- 1984
- Designation
- One of Scotland's Great Trails
- Looked after by
- NatureScot (Scotland's Great Trails) / Dumfries and Galloway Council / Scottish Borders Council
- Nations
- Scotland
- Total ascent
- Still to be measured