Opened in 1984, the Southern Upland Way was Britain's first official coast-to-coast footpath. In its 212-mile route across southern Scotland it crosses a remarkable variety of scenery, from coastal cliffs at Portpatrick on the west coast, through the wild uplands around Lowther Hill, to the fertile glens by St. Mary's Loch and Traquair, and ending in the east at Cockburnspath. In its 21st year, the authorities who support and maintain the Way are working hard to develop new ways for walkers to enjoy the route, particularly in making it easier to tackle short sections rather than seeing it as a simple end-to-end trek. The complete route remains an exhilirating challenge for the serious walker, but now 64 short walks have also been created which take the Way as their starting point. These are a few kilometres each, suited to a variety of abilities, and are an ideal introduction to the interest and beauty of the southern countryside. This completely revised edition of the Official Guide includes the details of all the Short Walks, and these are also shown on the two specially commisioned maps of the Way which accompany the Guide.
Walkers will return to consult the Guide and maps again and again - as often as they return to the wonderful country of Dumfries & Galloway and the Scottish Borders.