An evaluation study of the Southern Upland Way, the 212 mile coast to coast route in the southern Scotland has called for the name to be changed to attract more walkers.
The £136,000 initiative, run since 2006, to boost numbers on the Southern Upland Way (SUV), was evaluated by Dr Donald Macleod, lecturer in tourism at Glasgow University. Dr Macleod’s report states that in 2007, 87,503 walkers were counted on the route. Based on the estimated spend of these visitors, more than £2.7million was generated for the south of Scotland economy. Walker numbers are set to increase by 6% in 2008. However Dr Macleod said that one way to further boost the route’s popularity would be to change its name to the Scottish Upland Way.
The route, which is usally walked west to east, starts from Portpatrick and ends at Cockburnspath and runs through the Borders and Dumfries and Galloway. An undulating trek, the highest point is reached at Lowther Hill at 725 metres. At Walkhighlands we think the suggested new name might be a little confusing, as it might suggest the walk is a high mountain route. However there is no plan a foot yet to actually change the name and Dr Macleod’s report acknowleges the value of the work various bodies have put into getting the Southern Upland Way recognised as a name and brand. VisitScotland appeared lukewarm on the name change proposal, saying any change would have to be based on customer research.