Blackhill

The walk up Blackhill from Biggar takes about forty minutes if you're moving at a decent pace, and the views across the Lowlands sprawl out properly once you get near the top. It's not dramatic - no jagged peaks or Alpine theatre here - but there's something satisfying about a Scottish hill that doesn't demand crampons or a full day's commitment.

You get a proper sense of the landscape from up there. On a clear day you can trace the valleys and see how the land rolls away towards the moorland beyond. The surrounding countryside is gentle farming country, which sounds dull until you're standing on the summit realising how much of it you can actually see. Bring decent boots though - it's bog in places, and the path gets muddy after rain.

Families with older kids will enjoy this. Younger ones might find it a bit of a slog, and there's not much at the top to hold their attention beyond the view itself. Walkers passing through the area should definitely add it to their list - it's the kind of hill that gives you the payoff of height without the punishment of scrambling.

If you're based at Mount View Caravan Park, just two miles away, this is an ideal afternoon excursion. The park's position near Biggar makes it a solid spot for exploring the Lowlands without the usual tourist crowds. Go mid-week if possible - weekends can get a bit busier.