Get involved
Help us keep the Southern Upland Way open
The Rangers
Countryside rangers can be found along the whole length of the way. The main job of the rangers is to welcome visitors and encourage the use of the trail . They are also responsible for day-to-day maintenance of the footpath, waymarkers, stiles, boardwalks and bridges, as well as the overall development of the route, by working alongside communities and with volunteer groups.
Why help?
The Southern Upland Way is 214 miles of path through some of the most remote landscape in Scotland. There are only three Rangers to maintain the entire route. Keeping the path in good condition takes a lot of time and money so any donation or volunteering that you can give will help to keep the Southern Upland Way open.
Some examples of what it costs to maintain the route;
- 50p = Plastic waymarking disc.
- £5 = Wooden waymarker post with thistle logo.
- £25 = 1 Tank of fuel for grass cutter.
- £75 = Annual chainsaw service.
- £750 = 15m of Boardwalk.
ScottishPower Renewables is providing £50,000 a year to fund two Southern Upland Way Rangers who will work to promote, manage and maintain the route and connecting paths across the Dumfries and Galloway section.
This funding comes from Kilgallioch Windfarm and will continue throughout the operational life of the windfarm. Kilgallioch is located a few miles north of New Luce and during construction ScottishPower Renewables improved poor sections of the SUW route nearby.
The Southern Upland Way Rangers have written a management plan for the first five years and this includes plans to promote accommodation and other services available along the route. This should help maximise the potential for local businesses to benefit from the Southern Upland Way.
“The Southern Upland Way is a national treasure as Scotland’s only official coast-to-coast walk, with thousands experiencing it’s rugged and beautiful scenery every year"
"Its particularly special to me as I’ve childhood memories of family holidays and frequently walking part of the route from Killantringan. I’m delighted that ScottishPower has committed to funding further development and management of the Southern Upland Way from our Killgallioch Windfarm for years to come, enabling many more people to enjoy this spectacular trail, as well as supporting connections with local communities and businesses along the route whom I hope will benefit from increased footfall.”
Lindsay McQuade, CEO, ScottishPower Renewables
Volunteer!
Not every job means muddy boots.
Just let us know how you can help out. Tasks available include:
- Minor repairs to paths and rights of way if you're handy.
- Checking locked gates, blocked route or overgrown paths.
- Reporting major problems.
- Cutting back vegetation and overhanging branches.
- Get involved in larger tasks such as building boardwalks.
