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 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 - Yellow Post cap western
- £5 - Certificate pack
- £25 - Waymarker post with routed thistle
- £50 - Tank of fuel for grass cutter
- £50 - Chainsaw full service
- £120 - Wooden bench
- £250 - 2m boardwalk installed
- £350 - Information panel
- £1800 - Wooden Information shelter
As a responsible developer of renewable energy, ScottishPower Renewables (SPR) is proud to have been supporting local communities for over twenty years through positive engagement during the development, construction and operation of all of its sites.
The Southern Upland Way is an immensely valuable community resource. That’s why SPR has helped improve sections of the route and continues to invest £50,000 per year to fund two SUW Rangers, who work to promote, manage and maintain the route and connecting paths across the Dumfries and Galloway section. The funding comes from SPR’s Kilgallioch Windfarm – located a few miles north of New Luce - and will continue throughout the operational life of the windfarm.
ScottishPower Renewables continues to work with The Southern Upland Way Rangers to support the delivery of their five-year management plan, which includes plans to promote accommodation and other services available along the route to help maximise the potential for local businesses to benefit from the Southern Upland Way.
“The Southern Upland Way is a fantastic resource for both the local community and visitors alike, with thousands enjoying the beautiful scenery every year."
"I’m delighted ScottishPower Renewables is able to continue to support the vital work of the Rangers on the route as well as the links with local businesses in the area - enabling more people to continue enjoying this trail for years to come."
“Our communities are at the heart of what we do at SPR and we’re really proud to be continuing to build positive relationships at a local level and to support what matters to them.”
Barry Carruthers, Onshore MD, 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.
