The Southern Upland Way

[foxy mars]

For 2012, me and my good mate, if all go's to plan. We are going to walk the Southern Upland Way, hopefully around May time or October at that.

The Southern Upland Way is a Scottish Coast to Coast and is 212 miles. From what I can gather, is that, the walk go's through some very remote countryside and there is a few large forest on the route. However, it looks good on the map and my mate Ian will be glad of my company.

So, I need to start the training in the New Year and hopefully get a new pair of walking boots.

[Farplace]

Good luck for that one Martin ! xx

[foxy mars]

Thanks Jan.

The idea go's back a long way for me, that I remember buying the Southern Upland Way guide pack, a combo of a map and guide book. Sadly, I never ever got to do the walk and the idea of doing it faded and I gave the guide pack to a charity shop, I think. Thankfully, I kept hold of the West Highland Way combo pack, that's worth a few quid now.

It was only last year, when me and my Ian who were walking the Cleveland Way in November and we talked briefly about the Southern Upland Way and what it entailed, how far it is and would it be ideal for back-packing.

But, it was Ian, who is completing all the National Trails in the whole of Britain over a number of years and ask me if I wanted to accompany him on the Southern Upland Way. At first, I said no, due to the cycling trip I was planning, but, I felt I was letting my mate down and I knew the walk cross's some remote and barrel countryside and I thought that it would be best for me to join him if the holiday dates allow us to do so, after all, he is a good mate.

I did email my mate and he was only too pleased to accept.

However, the cycling trip for the North Pennines is still on and I guess that should take a week to complete.

But the Southern Upland Way is one walk, I'm looking forward to doing and it passes through Melrose, a lovely Scottish Borders town.

[ChrisJB]

After I'd done the Pennine Way and Coast to Coast, it was the Southern Upland Way that I fancied doing next. Alas, I never got round to it, but it does look a good, wild walk, although great tracts of afforestation wouldn't suit me. I have done a bit of it near Glen Trool, which is a great area. If I was ever to do it, I'd be sorely tempted to extend it with a detour to take in the highest point of the range, Merrick, and/or Corserine.

Chris

[foxy mars]

Hoping to get dates today for the Southern Upland Way for my next year's hol's. This is to be done in 10 to 12 days, some days of 15 to 20 miles, max is 28 miles. Six months to get some training done and break in new boots.

[muldonach]

Originally Posted by ChrisJB

After I'd done the Pennine Way and Coast to Coast, it was the Southern Upland Way that I fancied doing next. Alas, I never got round to it, but it does look a good, wild walk, although great tracts of afforestation wouldn't suit me. I have done a bit of it near Glen Trool, which is a great area. If I was ever to do it, I'd be sorely tempted to extend it with a detour to take in the highest point of the range, Merrick, and/or Corserine.

Chris

daft not to do both - views attached are the top of Merrick 2 yrs back.

Cheers
mac

[foxy mars]

Originally Posted by foxy mars

Hoping to get dates today for the Southern Upland Way for my next year's hol's.

I'm afraid, the Southern Upland Way is now off. The lad who is planning it, is wanting to do it in 10 days and some long days of 28 miles. That is crazy for me, anyway, I've emailed him to say I've opted out of the walk.

Which leaves me deciding now what to do for next year. I hope to do a bit more cycling in 2012, that would be nice. Although, at 55 years old, a week's walk would be ideal. One walk, I would like to do is the "Inn Way to the Peak District". This is a great walking area and one I've always loved from many years ago when I did a lot of walking there. Anyway, I've got the book in my hand and just need to flick through it. I think 84 in a week would be just ideal.

[PMG]

Its a shame that its fallen thro - but there is such a thing as doing something just too fast - its one thing to walk somewhere and see the view changing and spot things of interest - its another to walk so fast and be under such pressure to get to the finishing spot each day that it all becomes a blur!! I think you're right to drop out and think of something which will be more enjoyable and won;t wreck your knees for your remaining life foxy

Pauline

[foxy mars]

It is a shame, it was a walk I would of liked to do, but not in 10 days. I would of preferred 14 or 15 days. It is a walk over some very remote and tough terrain with a 26'000' of total ascent and something I would not attempt myself.

However, I've sometime to think thing's over. There is the western section of the Coast to Coast from Reeth to St. Bees, that I could finish off from September this year and count that as a completed crossing. There is the mountain bike coast to coast that I would like to do.

[foxy mars]

After emailing my mate, yesterday, he's settled on 12 days for the Southern Upland Way. Still a tough walk or is it. I know there is more ascent than the AW Coast to Coast, but I knew deep in the back of mind, this is one walk I've always wanted to do. At 55 years old, this is my best chance to do a super coast to coast in Scotland, do or die. But, need to confirm the dates to the boss at work and hopefully will get the dates, otherwise back to drawing board.

I'm studying the maps and profile regarding the terrain of the walk, that includes camp-sites, shops, pubs or any wild-camp spots.

Anyway, at the end of the day, I'm happy

May is the chosen month, no midges then I hope