Walk this way Top 10 sights on the Great Path across the Southern Uplands

CASTLE KENNEDY GARDENS

A walker makes her way down the Southern Upland Way towards the fishing village of Portpatrick

STRETCHING from Portpatrick on the west coast to Cockburnspath on the east, the Southern Upland Way is 212 miles long and was the first official footpath of its kind in the British Isles. This walk takes around 12-16 days and is considered the toughest of Scotland’s Great Paths. With more than 80 summits that rise above 2,000ft, it is a challenge for all but the most experienced walkers. A new edition of the Southern Upland Way guide, updated by Ronald Turnbull, is packed with information for those who want to take up the challenge and we have selected the top 10 sights along this trail.

Sitting between the White and Black Lochs, and covering 75 acres, these gardens are the oldest in south-west Scotland. They were laid out in the 18th century and constructed by an army of men and horses who also maintained the grounds. Today, only three full-time gardeners are employed.

It is famous for its rhododendrons and azaleas, along with a long avenue of monkey puzzle trees. The castle is open daily from April 1 to the end of September, with a small entrance fee to the grounds.

SANQUHAR

Sanquhar is a small town on the River Nith that offers many sights. It is home to Britain’s oldest post office, which was established in 1763, a time when mail was delivered by post boys on horseback. The Georgian building sits on the High Street and is shared with the tourist information centre.

On the same street is the Tolbooth Museum, which was built in the 18th century. Visitors can learn about local history and view a collection of notable items from the town, such as the traditional Sanquhar style of knitted gloves. Also in the town centre is the Richard Cameron Monument, in memory of the Covenanter who, in 1680, laid out his declaration of war with the Scottish government over religious freedom, and ultimately died for the cause.

Nearby, at Drumlanrig Castle, visitors can view Leonardo da Vinci’s Madonna of the Yarnwinder, which was stolen in 2003.

WANLOCKHEAD

Found in the heart of the Lowther Hills is Scotland’s highest village. Wanlockhead sits at a height of 1,394ft and is a close second to the highest village in Britain. This is where the Romans discovered lead and, until the 1950s, it was the focus of Scotland’s lead-mining industry. There is still evidence of it in the old mine workings, equipment, shafts and spoil heads.

On the Southern Upland Way, walkers will pass a “Bobbing John”, a huge beam engine from the 19th century that was used to pump water from the mines.

The village’s lead mining museum displays rare minerals and artefacts, and gives visitors the chance to try gold panning. Wanlockhead is home to Europe’s second oldest subscription library and has a collection of more than 3,000 rare books. This can be visited as part of the mining museum tour.

MOFFAT

Moffat is the halfway point of the trek, providing a great stop-off for walkers. The town has plenty of places for visitors to stay, and its most famous inn is The Black Bull, which was opened in 1568. Robert Burns stayed there, and scratched a poem on a