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First SUW signpost – Portpatrick (Stage 1) (photo: Alan Castle)

Other Trail ‘furniture’ includes ladder stiles and stone stiles over dry stone walls (called ‘dry stane dykes’ in Scotland), and small gates in fences, these having largely replaced the original wooden stiles. These are quite numerous and are generally in good condition, as are the many wooden bridges and short sections of duck boarding (the latter over boggy areas) found along the Way. In recent years, many stiles have been eliminated by using a metal field gate which incorporates a small, latching gate for walkers. I have referred to these in the route description as ‘combination-gates’. Such a gate can act as an indicator that you’re probably on the correct route, as can a sign saying ‘please close the gate SECURELY’.

Never cross walls or fences except at the indicated points, where stiles or gates are always to be used. The wooden stiles and duck boarding can be very slippery, particularly when wet or icy. Many are protected by non-slippery surfaces, or wire netting, although in some cases these are too old and worn to be completely effective. The ground is sometimes rough and overgrown with long reed grasses and other vegetation, particularly during the summer months, so that care is required when placing your feet in order to avoid ankle or knee sprains, or worse. Occasionally, due to a breakdown in the original drainage, the path may vanish into a swampy section. Here, the original firm surface is still there, a few inches below. It is worth probing for this with a walking pole, rather than diverting into apparently drier ground to left or right. So, do take care: alertness and concentration are major factors for a safe journey along the SUW.