Wildfire in Glentrool
April 7, 2025
Southern Upland Way is the longest of Scotland’s Great Trails at 214 miles. This makes it an iconic coast to coast adventure through some of Scotland’s most scenic countryside but many people are put off by the length and remoteness of the route. Ever since the route was first developed over 40 years ago dividing the path into several shorter sections has been suggested and this is already a way in which many access the trail.
So we want to encourage more people to use the route even if they only do a part of it. The Three Marches of the Southern Upland Way divides the route into three. The name refers to the time of the Border Reivers. In the 17th century, the area was split into three marches, in order to deal with the lawless clans. Instead of dealing with cattle raiders and rival clans our project splits the trail into three more manageable routes.
Each of the three Marches has its own name and its own character.
The Western March – The Spirit of Galloway – From Portpatrick, through the ancient kingdom of Galloway with it’s dramatic coastline, scenic farmland, mixed woodlands and open moorland, finishing in the Royal Burgh of Sanquhar.
The Central March – The Big Hills. From Sanquhar you experience the best of the huge rolling landscapes and upland hill walking of this region. It finishes in the historic town of Galashiels.
The Eastern March – The Merse. This is the ancient name for the area of land to the south of the River Tweed. This short section passes through scenic farmland, historic towns and villages and the uplands of the Lammermuirs. It finishes in Cockburnspath on the east coast.
Specially commissioned sculptures built by local blacksmith brothers Finn and Sam Barlow at their forge in Auchencairn are being placed to show the start and finish of each of the Marches. These will provide an opportunity to mark the start of your adventure and celebrate your achievement at the end. Be sure to take a selfie with them and tag us in it @southernuplandway. The Sculptures for the start and end of the Spirit of Galloway and the start of the Big Hills are already in place. The others will hopefully be installed in the next few months.
To find out more go to the three marches page. We also have completion certificates for completing each of the three marches available here.
To celebrate the launch of the Three Marches I’m doing a series of talks, the first of these is at Portpatrick Harbour on the 8th October at 6pm. The talk is free and all are welcome, there is no need to book.
