Walking in the Southern Uplands : 44 best hill days in southern Scotland

From the green slopes of the Pentland Hills and the dramatic heights of Merrick to the mysteries of the Cheviots and the Border Ridge, these routes reveal a landscape of smooth classics and hidden surprises, perfect for year-round exploration and true hill-country solitude. Whether you're seeking gentle grassy rambles or challenging high-level traverses, this comprehensive Cicerone guidebook features walks ranging from 3 to 29km (2–18 miles), easily accessed from bases including Newton Stewart, Glentrool, Nithsdale, Biggar, Moffat, Peebles, Edinburgh, and Kirk Yetholm. Each route includes a 1:50,000 OS map extract, route summary, start and finish points, estimated walking time, ascent and maximum altitude, terrain and parking details, plus free downloadable GPX files. You'll encounter iconic summits like Merrick (843m) and Arthur's Seat in Edinburgh, traverse the rugged Galloway Hills, explore dramatic slopes above Moffat, and discover the winding valleys near Peebles. Routes are graded from easy paths near Edinburgh to pathless, stamina-testing ascents in the Cheviots and remote Border Ridge, covering more than 80 hills above 600m (2000ft). April to June often brings the clearest air and driest weather for these diverse landscapes. Ideal for walkers of all abilities, this definitive guide also reveals the region's rich heritage through expert advice on the Borders' boundaries, the legacy of the Border reivers, Covenanter tales, and practical information on transport, accommodation, and facilities. Discover one of Scotland's most distinctive and uncrowded hill regions at your own pace, in every season.