Where can I get food?
An important item to consider when you are planning a walk is where to get food and drink along the way, either for lunch or the evening. Some accommodation will do evening meals and packed lunches but the Western section of the trail is a bit more complicated to pick up supplies. I've listed a few that might help you but bear in mind that some of the rural shops may close early or not at all at weekends or may have closed down since I did the SUW in July 2018.
Portpatrick
There is a small shop in the village plus a couple of cafe's and takeaways near the harbour and a bakers.
Stranraer
There is a small Tesco in the town that you might pick up food at before heading off to Portpatrick to start the walk plus many other shops in town.
Castle Kennedy
There is a small shop in the petrol station but as it's quite a busy road you may find there's not much left here if you rely on some snacks for your lunch or to take with you.
New Luce
There is a small shop/post office in the village but it closes at noon on Saturdays until Monday which is worth remembering if you start your walk on the Saturday. If so, make sure to bring food with you.
Bargrennan
There is no shop here but if you are staying at the pub they do a packed lunch service as well as evening meals
St. John's Town of Dalry
There is a village shop here which closes at 6pm so bear that in mind if you are doing the walk from Bargrennan as you will have to walk quickly to get there in time. Otherwise, the pubs do evening meals and you can get the shop in the morning before you set off again.
Sanquhar
After four or five days without many shops or choice, Sanquhar will be a welcome relief. There are three shops along the main street and all open until early until late plus there are a few takeaways as well as the pubs that do food.
Wanlockhead
There is a cafe in the Lead Mining Museum and the Wanlockhead Inn also serves food if you are staying the night in Wanlockhead. If not, the bus back to a hotel in Sanquhar gives you plenty of food choices.
Moffat
As you enter Moffat there is a large store located just behind the petrol station which opens early until late, there is also an outdoor shop located here if you need anything. Further on into Moffat there are chip shops, takeaways and smaller shops. Make sure you take food with you for the next day as well as there are no shops until Innerleithen.
Innerleithen
There is a large Co-op store as you enter the town plus a couple of takeaways, cafes and pubs doing evening meals.
Galashiels
The centre of Galashiels is off the route but if you are staying here you will find plenty of shops and takeaways.
Melrose
There is a large Co-op as you enter the town from the riverbank plus a couple of takeaways and the pubs do meals as well.
Lauder
When you enter the town there is a large shop located in a petrol station as you head out of town plus a couple of smaller ones in the middle of the town plus a takeaway.
Cockburnspath
There is a small shop in Cockburnspath right beside the Mercat Cross at the end of the SUW.
