Bidhouse Knowe

The walk up Bidhouse Knowe near Moffat rewards you with proper Highland views despite the modest height. It's the sort of peak that doesn't announce itself - you won't find crowds here, which is exactly the point. The ascent takes around 90 minutes if you're not dawdling, climbing through moorland that shifts from bracken to bare hillside as you gain height. The summit itself is windswept and honest - no cafe, no visitor centre, just you and the Dumfries & Galloway landscape rolling out in all directions. On a clear day the Southern Uplands dominate the view, and you can pick out features that make sense of the countryside below.

This one's for walkers who want solitude rather than spectacle. Families with younger kids might find the terrain a bit relentless, and the weather can turn unpredictably fast, so proper boots and a map aren't optional. Allow an afternoon rather than a quick morning jaunt. The nearby caravan sites - Howslack Farm is the standout with cracking reviews - make it an easy addition to a broader Lowlands holiday. Combine it with walks around the Moffat Water valley or aim higher for the Devil's Beef Tub if you're keen on local legend and easier terrain. Moffat itself has cafes and shops to refuel afterwards, which you'll probably want to do. Access appears unrestricted, so you're free to head up whenever weather permits.