Scotland's "southern highlands" are ideal for walkers of all abilities and, for the real enthusiast, there is Scotland's coast to coast long distance footpath. 

Opened in 1984, the Southern Upland Way is a 212 mile walk covering some of the wildest landscapes in Scotland, from Portpatrick on the west coast, east across Galloway to Beattock near Moffat and on through the Borders to Cockburnspath in the east. 

It is more demanding than most long distance paths, for it does not follow the natural contours of the country such as glens - instead it cuts across them. However, the Way may be joined at any convenient point, and excursions planned to suit both the ability of the group and the weather.  In the official guide, the walk is divided into fifteen manageable sections, some suitable for less experienced walkers. 

Join the route in Galloway and you will walk through undulating country, forest and moorland, pass standing stones, hut circles and cairns. No brief account can hope to give a real idea of the Way, nor of the country it passes through, nor of the exhilaration of the long upland stretches.

Anyone planning to tackle all, or even part of the route through Dumfries and Galloway, is strongly advised to invest in a copy of the Official Guide and Route Map for the Southern Upland Way (Western Section) available from all local Tourist Information Centres and bookshops. The map covers the route within the region, and the 'Way' is clearly marked. The Guide describes features of interest along the route and has excellent advice on preparation and safety.

Those intending to walk the distance, as well as planning the route in advance, would do well to check availabilty of accommodation. Apart from hotels, inns and guesthouses, there are a number of campsites and a limited amount of 'bothy' accommodation along the route.

For further information:

A leaflet about the route is available from local Tourist Information Centres (Dumfries and Galloway Tourist Board) and Scottish Natural Heritage.

Visit www.southernuplandway.com - Southern Scotland's walking website.