| 1. |
The SUW is
340 Km long, how long does it take to walk the way? |
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This depends upon your level of fitness and the time
you can affords to the walk.
While some race across in 8-10 days others will prefer
upto 18. The average is14 days of walking.
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| 2. |
Is the SUW a hard walk? |
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There is no denying that the SUW is a challenge but
in no way daunting. Walking west to east makes sense
due to prevailing weather conditions and with proper
preparation and an adequate level of fitness the walk
is suitable for almost anyone.
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| 3. |
How high is the highest hill
on Southern Upland Way? |
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The SUW boasts some exciting climbs with the highest
point being Lowther Hill at 2379 ft/725 m. This is just
one of 8 points over 1000ft, higher than any point along
the West Highland Way!
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| 4. |
How do I know whether the SUW
is the right walk for me? |
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If you enjoy walking than you must experience at least
some of the walking on offer in Southern Scotland. The
SUW offers itineraries across the breadth of Scotland
covering a multitude of terrain. The scenery is outstanding
and the real beauty is that its not the motorway that
many other walks have become. Odds on you'll have the
hill to yourselves during the day but plenty of folk
to share your experience and a dram with in the evening.
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| 5. |
What types of terrain will
I encounter? |
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The SUW crosses the grain of the land so you will certainly
be attacking the route. The Southern Uplands is a diverse
area of coastal outcrop, open moorland, dense forest
and lakeside beauty. Every day will provide a challenge
rewarded by amazing scenery, breathtaking views and
chance sightings of exceptional wildlife.
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| 6. |
Is there a problem with midges? |
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This is Scotland and at times there is no avoiding
the fabled midge. Providing you take adequate measures
their presence need not be a worry. You will find a
range of spays and lotions' claiming to keep them at
bay but my advice is follow the locals example. Keep
covered up and invest in a face net. And try to get
your days walking over with by late afternoon. The midge
enjoys dining in the early evening!
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| 7. |
Are there any circular walks
on SUW? |
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Loads and more to come. Each of the towns and villages
along the route boast a number of itineraries and there
are many more in the various stages of becoming available.
See our section on "Short
Walks Along The Way"
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| 8. |
Other routes are so busy, but
how does the SUW compare? |
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The number of people walking as a pastime is growing
at an incredible rate. Many popular destinations including
The West Highlands and The Lake District are becoming
overcrowded with many walkers complaining of the "motorway
syndrome". The Southern Uplands remains relatively
undiscovered and while offering incredible walking you
will often appear to have the entirety of Scotland to
yourselves.
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| 9. |
Is it harder to walk East to
West? |
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In terms of ascent and descent there is no real advantage
in choosing the direction to walk the SUW.
The real difference is the weather. Scottish weather
is unpredictable but the prevailing weather fronts do
come in from the west. The best advice is to walk west
to east so should those bad days come at least they
will be pushing you on.
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| 10. |
Some sections are too long
for me, can we avoid these distances? |
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The main sections of length are those in and out of
St Johns Town of Dalry. While some see stages of 24
and 27 miles respectively as a challenge the vast majority
of folk prefer a slightly easier option. Thankfully
vehicle
back up is easily arranged and allows these two
very long stages to be broken into three manageable
and enjoyable days. The other sections are in and out
of Moffat. 22 and 20 miles respectively. SUW Ltd are
working towards being able to offer vehicle back up
here as well so watch this space.
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