Who's setting off when

[Paulatic]

I agree with Bogmyrtle. You've changed your route by changing a setting perhaps? You've gone from one extreme to another. Especially the route from Dumfries.
As Mick says you'll find it easier to see the line you need using a good old road atlas.
A quick look at day 9 and I would say you are making that a lot hillier than need be. I find the A6 ok down there but others who will use it more than my once a year could advise better.