Southern Upland Way
Contours Walking Holidays
Southern Upland Way
https://www.contours.co.uk/southern-upland-way
An epic coast-to-coast hike along the undulating Southern Uplands of Scotland from Portpatrick to Cockburnspath.
From £1200 per person
This coast to coast journey is Scotland’s longest Great Trail, making it an enticing challenge for veteran long-distance walkers. Setting off from the old harbour of Portpatrick on the west coast, the Southern Upland Way encounters a wide range of dramatic landscapes – conquering high moorlands, epic mountains, quiet forests, expansive lochs and remote valleys teeming with wildlife – as it journeys eastwards towards the village of Cockburnspath.
As well as the breath-taking scenery, this trail passes through several areas rich in archaeological and historical interest, and also visits a range of elegant towns with their own stories to tell. The Southern Uplands of Scotland are probably the least visited areas of Britain, yet arguably offer some of the best walking landscapes in the UK.
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Watching rare birds of prey swooping through the skies from the many great vantage points along the route.
Searching for ‘kists’ – 13 individually-sculptured containers hidden along the trail – and collecting commemorative coins along the way.
Revelling in the amazing sense of achievement felt upon completing Scotland’s longest Great trail.
| Code | Tour | Duration | Price per person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUW1 | From Portpatrick to Cockburnspath(T) | 11 days walking | £1200 | |
| SUW2 | From Portpatrick to Cockburnspath(T) | 13 days walking | £1400 | |
| SUW3 | From Portpatrick to Cockburnspath(T) | 14 days walking | £1500 |
Travel to Portpatrick where your first night's accommodation has been booked
Portpatrick to New Luce(T). 24 miles (38.5km)
New Luce(T) to Bargrennan(L). 19 miles (30.5km)
Bargrennan(L) to St John's Town of Dalry. 25.5 miles (41km)
St John's Town of Dalry to Sanquhar. 25.5 miles (41km)
Sanquhar to Overfingland(T). 13 miles (21km)
Overfingland(T) to Moffat. 17.5 miles (28km)
Moffat to Scabcleuch/Ettrick Water(T). 17.5 miles (28km)
Scabcleuch/Ettrick Water(T) to Traquair/Innerleithen. 18.5 miles (29.5km)
Traquair/Innerleithen to Lauder. 28 miles (45km)
Lauder to Longformacus(T). 15 miles (24km)
Longformacus(T) to Cockburnspath(T). 19 miles (30km)
Depart from Cockburnspath(T) after breakfast
This itinerary lists our preferred overnight stops for this tour. Sometimes there may be a shortage of available accommodation in a preferred location, in which case we will transfer you from the trail to your accommodation and back again at no extra charge. Overnight stops marked with a (T) will always require transfers as standard.
Overnight stops marked with an (L) have very limited accommodation, and therefore more often than not will also require a transfer, particularly on bank holidays and weekends. We will use non-transfer accommodation wherever possible.
The daily mileages quoted are average trail miles only and do not include the distance from the trail to your accommodation. We do not expect you to have to travel more than a mile from the trail to your accommodation; should your accommodation be further than this, transfers will be provided as standard.
Below are the additional costs that may apply depending on your requirements. Dog-friendly tours are subject to a Daily Dog Charge, which will be listed below if applicable. Our standard prices per person are based upon two people sharing a room; if you are on your own, or are part of a group but require a room of your own, then the Solo Traveller or Single Supplements apply respectively:
You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops:
You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops:
To find out more about the weather forecast for your chosen holiday's general location, please see the following websites:
“The autumn colours were great and the weather basically held, the clocks had not gone back and the distances were perfectly manageable in the light.”Mr Mason, UK
“Great countryside, saw no other walkers doing the Southern Upland Way. Everyone we met was friendly, food good. Will continue with the route when have time! Given the short notice, well-sorted for us. Great trail. And the organisation worked well.”Mr O’Donald, UK
“Everything went smoothly - thank you for making a complicated trip so easy. Overall, it was a really nice mix of different accommodations. Most were really friendly and helpful. Taxi drivers were great at telling us about the area. I would recommend Contours.”Dr Hollingshead, Canada
“In short words? It was great! You guys did a really good job! I felt 100% safe and well with you.”Ms Rudnicki, Switzerland
