Blowplain Hill

The walk up Blowplain Hill rewards you with proper 360-degree views across Dumfries & Galloway - the kind of panorama that justifies a bit of huffing and puffing. From the summit, you can see right across the Lowlands towards the Solway Firth, and on a clear day the Lake District sits on the horizon. It's a straightforward hill walk, nothing technical, and takes the best part of an afternoon if you're not rushed.

Castle Douglas is your nearest base, about twenty minutes away by car, and it's well-placed for combining this with other activities in the area. The terrain is moorland - rough grass and heather - so proper boots matter, especially after rain when it gets boggy. Most people allow two to three hours round trip depending on fitness and how long you linger at the top.

This works best for hill walkers and anyone after proper fresh air without the crowds you'd find in the Highlands. Families with kids aged eight and up would manage it fine, though younger children might find the unrelenting climb tedious. The views alone make it worthwhile rather than a slog for slog's sake.

If you're staying at Loch Ken Holiday Park, you're perfectly placed - it's under five miles away. The park itself is a decent base for exploring this corner of Galloway. Go early in the day if you can; the light's better and you'll have the summit to yourself more often than not.