The best walks and hikes in the Southern Uplands Mountains

The Southern Uplands Mountains offer a wide variety of hiking opportunities, with over 400 routes available. These range from easy strolls to more challenging mountain ascents, including approximately 170 easy routes, over 180 moderate trails, and nearly 50 difficult hikes.

The region boasts diverse terrain, from broad-topped, rolling moorland hills to steep-sided, craggy mountains. You'll encounter distinctive U-shaped valleys, numerous lochs and rivers, and areas like the Galloway Hills with their granite core. The landscape is a result of ancient geological processes and glacial erosion, offering a less crowded, immersive experience.

Yes, the Southern Uplands are home to the Southern Upland Way, a 338-kilometer (212-mile) coast-to-coast long-distance trail. It's one of Scotland's Great Trails, traversing remote areas and over 80 summits exceeding 2000 feet. While challenging, it can be broken into shorter sections for day hikes.

Absolutely. The spectacular Grey Mare's Tail waterfall, one of the UK's highest at 60 meters, is a prominent feature. You can experience it on routes like Loch Skeen return via Grey Mare's Tail, which also leads to the remote Loch Skeen.

Yes, many trails are suitable for families. The region offers numerous gentle strolls and shorter loops. For example, the Water of Trool loop from Glentrool Village is a moderate 7.8 km path that provides a scenic experience without extreme difficulty.

The Southern Uplands offer several impressive landmarks. The highest point, The Merrick Summit, provides panoramic views. Other significant viewpoints include Cairnsmore of Fleet Summit Trig Point and Dun Rig Summit, which offers views into the Moorfoot Hills and Pentlands.

Yes, the region has many excellent circular routes. A popular choice is the Loch Trool loop, a moderate 9.8 km path offering a scenic circuit within the Galloway Forest Park. Another option is the White Coomb and Loch Skeen Circular, a more challenging 12.4 km route.

The Southern Uplands are enjoyable throughout the year, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant conditions with vibrant colors and fewer midges. Summer provides longer daylight hours, while winter hiking is possible for experienced individuals, though conditions can be challenging with snow and ice, especially on higher peaks.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 900 reviews. Hikers often praise the region's remote and unspoiled character, the diverse geology, abundant water features like lochs and rivers, and the rich wildlife, all contributing to a peaceful and immersive outdoor experience.

Yes, you can find several easy riverside walks. The Moffat riverside loop is a gentle 4.7 km path, perfect for a relaxed stroll. Another option is the Neidpath Castle & Old Manor Bridge loop on the River Tweed from Peebles, an easy 6.1 km route offering historical sights along the river.

Yes, you can hike to Merrick, the highest peak in Southern Scotland at 843 meters (2,766 feet). The Merrick Trail is a popular moderate 12.9 km route that ascends this peak, offering rewarding panoramic views from the summit.

The Southern Uplands are dotted with numerous lochs and rivers, particularly in the west, such as St Mary's Loch, Loch of the Lowes, Loch Skeen, and Loch Trool. While specific wild swimming spots aren't always marked, these natural water bodies often provide opportunities for a refreshing dip, especially after a long hike.