Attractions and Places To See in the Southern Uplands Mountains - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see in the Southern Uplands Mountains encompass a diverse range of natural landscapes, historical landmarks, and cultural sites. This predominantly rural region features rolling hills, open moorland, and forests. The area is characterized by its dramatic natural features, including high peaks and impressive waterfalls, alongside significant historical and cultural points of interest. It offers a variety of outdoor activities and exploration opportunities.
Best attractions and places to see in the Southern Uplands Mountains
- The most popular attractions is Glentress Mountain Bike Centre, an mtb_park that offers extensive facilities for mountain biking, including bike hire, washing, showers, and a cafe. It features graded MTB routes suitable for various abilities.
- Another must-see spot is Loch Trool, a lake surrounded by hills and forests. This location is known for its scenic beauty and offers opportunities for quiet exploration.
- Visitors also love Grey Mare’s Tail Waterfall, a natural monument that plunges approximately 60 meters. It is one of the highest waterfalls in the UK and is managed by the National Trust for Scotland.
- Southern Uplands Mountains is known for its natural features like high peaks and lochs, historical sites, and cultural points of interest. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from challenging summits to tranquil lakes.
- The attractions in the Southern Uplands Mountains are appreciated by the komoot community, with 26 upvotes and 27 photos shared across more than 250 highlights.
Last updated: May 25, 2026
The Merrick Summit
Highlight • Natural Monument
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Cairnsmore of Fleet Summit Trig Point
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Glentress Mountain Bike Centre
Highlight • MTB Park
Not to mention the riding!
Here's a trail map: forestryandland.gov.scot/images/pdf/rec_pdfs/7stanes-Glentress-bike-trail-map.pdf
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Dun Rig Summit
Highlight • Viewpoint
Normally climbed as a ridge walk or out and back from Peebles or St Mary's Loch.
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Culter Fell Summit
Highlight • Viewpoint
From the summit, the view on a clear day stretches from the Cumbrian Lake District to the Scottish Highlands.
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Cairnsmore of Carsphairn Summit
Highlight • Climb
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Loch Trool
Highlight • Natural
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Grey Mare’s Tail Waterfall
Highlight • Viewpoint
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White Coomb Summit
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Peebles Town Centre and Old Parish Church
Highlight • Bridge
Peebles is situated on the beautiful River Tweed and is surrounded by the rolling hills of the Southern Uplands. The town is recognised for its splendid natural setting, for its good amenities and wide range of independent shops, and for its traditional and ancient character (it was granted a Royal Charter in 1367 and its main bridge across the Tweed dates from the 15th Century).
Peebles is a popular centre for hikers. There are many local trails that explore the nearby rolling grass and heather hills, forests, castles and the River Tweed. The town is also a hub for long-distance walkers. The Cross Borders Drove Road passes through the town, the John Buchan Way ends in Peebles, and a popular LEJOG (Land’s End to John O’ Groats) walking route transits Peebles.
During your visit to Peebles, you'd miss out if you didn't take a stroll across the pleasant Tweed Green and along the banks of the serene and photogenic River Tweed!
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Popular around Southern Uplands Mountains
Bothies of Britain: hiking and biking adventures to unique mountain shelters
Second City Divide — Rough Stuff Of The North
National Cycle Network Route 7 – Sunderland to Inverness
GB Divide — Great Britain end to end off-road on GBDURO
Hiking the Annandale Way – From wild hills to the sparkling sea
The Central Belter — Gravel trails of the coast and Cairngorms
The Faultline Trail — Scotland tip to tip
Great North Trail — From the Pennine Hills to the tip of Scotland
Southern Upland Way — A wild and undiscovered coast-to-coast challenge
The North Sea Coast Cycle Route part 7 — Scotland
Other adventures in the Southern Uplands Mountains
Tips from the Community
The landscape is stunningly beautiful, but the paths are not as easy to walk as advertised. The barely discernible path up leads almost entirely through muddy, boggy terrain. We often sank ankle-deep, at times knee-deep. From Loch Enech onwards, there is no discernible path; the ground is drier, but eroded and full of holes. The way down is the official route, and considerably better. They've tried to make everything more walkable with fleece and gravel, but the water has already washed away much of it. Unfortunately, it's hard to enjoy the scenery while walking, as you're so busy trying not to slip and sink with every step. In the end, we were glad to be back down with our bones intact. The path can only be recommended with reservations.
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After a steep second half of the ascent, the views from the top are spectacular, and the run back down is superb
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Lovely town in the Scottish Borders with the best pies from Forsyths
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Not the most interesting Corbett in Galloway, let alone Scotland, still there's good views from the rounded grassy top. The rest of the hill is sheep grazed grassy upland, and is unrelentingly boggy
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Stunning 360 views of the Galloway hills
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a well know myb centre kitted out with bike washers, shop and cafe.
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Builders are in making big changes now October 23
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural landmarks should I visit in the Southern Uplands Mountains?
The region boasts impressive natural features. Don't miss the dramatic Grey Mare’s Tail Waterfall, one of the UK's highest, plunging 60 meters. Above it lies the picturesque Loch Skeen. For panoramic views, consider hiking to The Merrick Summit, the highest peak in the south of Scotland, located within the Galloway Hills. Loch Trool is another beautiful spot, surrounded by hills and forests, offering serene exploration.
Are there any historical or cultural sites to explore in the Southern Uplands Mountains?
Yes, the Southern Uplands are rich in history and culture. You can visit Melrose Abbey, a picturesque ruin founded in 1136, traditionally believed to be the burial place of Robert the Bruce's heart. Explore Wanlockhead, Scotland's highest village, with its fascinating Museum of Lead Mining and Europe's second oldest subscription library. Sanquhar is home to Britain's oldest post office and the Tollbooth Museum, showcasing local history and traditional knitting.
What activities are available for families in the Southern Uplands Mountains?
Families will find several engaging options. Glentress Mountain Bike Centre offers graded MTB routes for various abilities, along with bike hire, washing facilities, and a cafe. Loch Trool provides a scenic and tranquil setting for walks and quiet exploration. Many of the region's lochs and forests offer easy walking paths suitable for all ages.
Where can I find the best viewpoints in the Southern Uplands Mountains?
The region is dotted with stunning viewpoints. Beyond the summits like The Merrick and White Coomb, you can experience the dramatic vista of the Grey Mare’s Tail Waterfall. Scott's View, near Melrose, offers famous vistas above the River Tweed. The quiet roads of the Dreva Climb also provide wonderful views of the Borderlands hills.
Are there long-distance walking paths in the Southern Uplands Mountains?
Yes, the Southern Uplands are home to the Southern Upland Way, a 338-kilometer (212-mile) coast-to-coast path. It was the first official long-distance footpath in the British Isles, traversing remote and sparsely populated regions and connecting many of the area's attractions. Along the route, walkers can discover hidden 'kists' containing collectable coins.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The Southern Uplands Mountains offer a wide range of outdoor activities. You can explore numerous running trails, including the St Mary's Loch loop or the Grey Mare's Tail and Loch Skeen Trail. For cycling enthusiasts, there are extensive gravel biking routes and challenging MTB trails, such as those found at Glentress Mountain Bike Centre. You can find more details on routes for various sports on our dedicated guides: Gravel biking in the Southern Uplands Mountains, MTB Trails in the Southern Uplands Mountains, and Running Trails in the Southern Uplands Mountains.
Can I go mountain biking in the Southern Uplands Mountains?
Absolutely! The Southern Uplands are a prime destination for mountain biking. The Glentress Mountain Bike Centre is a highly popular spot, offering extensive facilities including bike hire, washing stations, and graded MTB routes from green to black. You can find more detailed routes and trails in our guide to MTB Trails in the Southern Uplands Mountains.
What unique natural features can I find in the Southern Uplands Mountains?
Beyond the dramatic Grey Mare’s Tail Waterfall, the region is home to Galloway Forest Park, recognized as a Dark Sky Park where over 7,000 stars and planets are visible to the naked eye. The Galloway Hills also feature numerous lochs, both natural and dammed, such as Loch Trool, Loch Ken, and Loch Doon, set amidst remote and mountainous terrain.
Are there any gardens or estates worth visiting?
Yes, Castle Kennedy Gardens are a notable attraction. These 75-acre gardens are the oldest in south-west Scotland, famous for their vibrant rhododendrons, azaleas, and a long avenue of monkey puzzle trees. Additionally, Drumlanrig Castle is a historic estate that houses Leonardo da Vinci's 'Madonna of the Yarnwinder,' which is on display for visitors.
What is the highest point in the Southern Uplands Mountains?
The highest peak in the Southern Uplands is The Merrick, standing at 843 meters (2,766 ft). It is located in the Galloway Hills and offers challenging hikes and expansive views.
Can I find public art installations in the Southern Uplands?
Yes, the Southern Upland Way features various public art installations. Examples include the 'Giant Axe Head' in Galloway Forest Park and Andy Goldsworthy's 'Striding Arches' on the moors, adding an artistic dimension to the natural landscape.
What do visitors enjoy most about the Southern Uplands Mountains?
Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty and tranquility of the region. Many highlight the picturesque lochs like Loch Trool, describing them as postcard-perfect, especially during sunrise or late evening. The well-maintained paths around natural monuments like the Grey Mare’s Tail Waterfall are also highly appreciated, as are the extensive facilities and diverse routes at Glentress Mountain Bike Centre.
Most popular routes in the Southern Uplands Mountains
Most popular attractions in the Southern Uplands Mountains
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