Bengairn

Bengairn rises to 243 metres just outside Castle Douglas, which sounds modest until you're huffing up it on a Scottish afternoon. The walk isn't long - most people manage the ascent in forty minutes or so - but the gradient is proper steep in places, so bring decent boots rather than trainers.

What makes it worth the effort is the view across the Solway Firth to the Lake District fells. On a clear day it's genuinely cracking, with the Galloway Hills rolling away behind you. The peak itself is bare moorland, nothing fancy, but it feels properly wild for somewhere so accessible to Castle Douglas.

This is a walker's outing, really. Kids will manage it if they're used to hills, though the rougher sections near the top need a bit of scrambling. History buffs get less from it than those who simply enjoy a quick leg-stretcher with a view attached.

The climb takes about two hours return if you're not rushing, which fits well with a broader holiday exploring the area. Several caravan and camping sites sit within five miles - Kippford View and Coastal Kippford are closest - making it a natural detour from base. No facilities on the hill itself, so bring water.

Go early to avoid the crowds that can build up on decent weekends. It's free, it's always open, and on a clear morning the Firth sprawls out like something from a postcard. Well worth squeezing in if you're already in the area.