Ben John

Ben John rises above the farmland south of Castle Douglas as a modest but rewarding walk - nothing too dramatic, but genuinely worth an afternoon if you're staying in the area. The summit sits around 600 metres and offers proper views across Dumfries & Galloway towards the Solway Firth on a clear day. The climb itself is straightforward enough. Most walkers tackle it from the south, and the path is well-used without being crowded. Allow a couple of hours for the round trip if you're not rushing.

This is walker territory, honestly. Families with young kids might find it a bit long, and history buffs won't find much to bite on up there - it's all about the landscape and the views. The real value is as a leg-stretcher if you're based at Auchenlarie Holiday Park nearby. The park sits just 1.7 miles away, so it's a natural choice for a morning walk before lunch.

Free to climb, naturally. There's no visitor centre or facilities at the summit, so bring water. The best light is late afternoon when the sun catches the Lowlands to the west. Winter walks can be bleak and wet - spring through early autumn is the sweet spot. On a proper day you'll understand why people bother with the Scottish hills, even the smaller ones.