Blackcastle Hill

The walk up Blackcastle Hill is a proper slog, but the payoff from the summit is worth every breath. You get proper Borders views here - rolling farmland stretching out toward the Cheviot Hills, and on a clear day you can see right across to the Solway Firth. The hill itself isn't tall by Scottish standards, but the exposed moorland approach means the wind can be fierce, so don't come underdressed.

It's the kind of place that appeals to keen walkers rather than casual strollers. The terrain is rough underfoot with heather and bog in equal measure, so good boots are non-negotiable. Most people allow two to three hours for the round trip from Hawick, which sits just below the hill to the south. The walk isn't marked particularly well, so an OS map or GPS is sensible.

Historically the hill had fortifications - hence the name - though there's precious little to see now beyond a cairn at the top. Still, standing there surveying the Borders landscape gives you a real sense of why people bothered defending this spot centuries ago.

If you're based at Stouslie Snugs Luxury Farm Glamping nearby, this makes a good morning expedition. It's not a walk for young children unless they're keen hikers already, but teenagers who don't mind a proper climb will enjoy the independence and the views. Go early to avoid afternoon mist rolling in across the hills.