I did the first stage, Kirk Yetholm to Ancrum, via Harestanes, on Saturday the 2nd of March 2013.
I had no idea how far I would go before the end of the year. I'm a fair weather walker -not keen on walking in the rain - but managed to make it as far north as Ullapool before I put my boots away for the winter. Must have been a good summer
All going well, I'll complete the trail by sauntering from Ullapool to Cape Wrath some time next year.
Here's the story of stage 1: Kirk Yetholm to Milngavie (143 miles approximately).
While this section had some long stages it was easy walking. Routes such as http://stcuthbertsway.info/ and http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/southern-upland-way.shtml were well signposted and generally easy to follow.
Unlike further north they were also usually dry
Walking the canals between Edinburgh and Glasgow was also easy going. Nice flat paths and easily accessible by train which was handy for me as I live in Edinburgh
In terms of facilities, this first section to Milngavie was also easy; you pass through, or close by, lots of towns so no problem finding accommodation, cash machines, tourist info offices, supplies, transport etc etc.
In terms of walking, it's a nice, gentle, introduction to the Scottish National Trail and all the more enjoyable for that
As one who usually heads North when going walking it was also a pleasure to re-acquaint myself with the Borders. What a beautiful part of the World.
Details of each section I walked together with the OS Landranger map numbers, miles walked ( all distances are my estimates) , time taken, accommodation I stayed in etc etc can be found by clicking on the links below.
Kirk Yetholm to Ancrum via Harestanes - 19 miles
http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=33285&p=198540#p198540
Harestanes to Melrose - 15 miles
http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=33287&p=198544#p198544
Melrose to Peebles - 25 miles
http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=33291&p=198549#p198549
Peebles to Carlops - 16 miles
http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=33293&p=198552#p198552
Carlops to Water of Leith Visitor Centre, Edinburgh - 14 miles
http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=33294&p=198557#p198557
Linlithgow to Edinburgh - 21 miles (I took the train to Linlithgow then walked home)
http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=33295&p=198562#p198562
Falkirk High station to Linlithgow - 9 miles
http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=33296&p=198563#p198563
Falkirk High station to Milngavie 24 miles
http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=33299&p=198566#p198566
