The Annandale Way, a 55 miles long distance walk which links Moffat and Annan has been launched with high hopes. The Dumfries and Galloway Standard Reports
The 55-mile Annandale Way follows the course of the River Annan from its mouth at the Solway to above the Moffat Beef Tub.And it is hoped that it will rival Scotland’s existing famous long-distance walks, the Southern Upland Way and the West Highland Way, and become a popular nationally recognised route, encouraging visitors to the region.
The Annandale Way is the latest in a string of Scottish long distance walks launched by local groups recently, all hoping to cash in on the success of long distance walking holidays as a driver for tourism.The West Highland Way is undoubtedly a world class walking holiday, but there are numerous other walks that have been launched in Scotland recently that although pleasant, just don’t meet the grade and have failed to take off and deliver the hoped for benefits to the local economy.
There is no doubt that a world class walk will bring substantial benefit to the local area, but is the Annandale Way world class? Will it amaze, enthuse and inspire those who choose to walk the 55 miles from Moffat to Annan? Southern Scotland is a beautiful area and I certainly am looking forward to examining this walk in more detail but my gut feeling is that it will not reach the “world class” standard and therefore fail to deliver the numbers of walkers which will create a much needed boost to the local tourist economy.
In my opinion a long distance walking trail has to have the following attributes to take off:
- A path that is predominantly footpath – forest tracks and minor roads are not acceptable.
- Good transport links to the start and end of the walk.
- Spectacular scenery that changes along the length of the walk.
- Points of interest to look forward to and explore.
- Good quality accommodation at regular intervals along the length of the trail that is welcoming to walkers.
- A baggage transfer service – often initially operated by local taxi firms.
- A published or down loadable map and route notes.
- Comprehensive way marking.
- A critical mass of walkers to create a sense of camaraderie and shared adventure.
Does your proposed project meet these criteria? I certainly hope so as I believe there are numerous opportunities for further world class long distance walks in Scotland just waiting to be developed. The Sutherland Trail – a walk pioneered by the author and broadcaster Cameron McNeish – would seem to be a prime candidate for the Highland Council and local community to examine.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I walked the Annandale Way between 23rd @ 26th October 2010. I must congratulate those responsible for the waymarking which was excellent throughout leaving one able to enjoy the surroundings rather than having to constantly refer to map and compass.There was only one point wherer signs were missing and that was between Barnkirk Point and Newby Barns, there was a post but it appeared that the signs had been removed.
Regards K Patterson
Hi Keith,
Well done on completing the Annandale Way and I am pleased to hear the way marking is up to scratch. I haven’t managed to get down to do the walk yet but it is high up on my list.
Regards
Neil
Hi Keith
A little after the event but what the heck
I walked this in spring of this year (2011) backpacking and it certainly ticks most of your boxes, if not all of them. It is never going to be as spectacular as say the West Highland Way, but it certainly has its moments, and the thought put into the route (I walked via Lochmaben) has been superb. It is a young trail with bags of potential and the locals are enthusiastic and proud to have it on their doorstep. My one real criticism – yes, a little too much road walking in places, but that is to be expected in an area with few recognised public rights of way.
The way has a good mix of upland, river walking and many parts that are reminiscant of the Dales Way. It is just a good all rounder.
There is plenty of accomodation on route, and campsites are easy to find en-route also.
This is a trail that deserves to take off – wether it will remains to be seen.
Kind regards
Aaron