Brock Hill

The walk up Brock Hill rewards you with views across the Dumfries and Galloway hills that make the climb feel properly worthwhile. It's not a massive peak - you're looking at around 1,300 feet - but the approach from Moffat is straightforward enough that families with older kids can manage it without too much fuss.

The summit itself is open moorland, windswept and exposed, with nothing between you and the Scottish Lowland landscape stretching out in all directions. On a clear day you can see for miles. On a grey one - and there will be grey ones - it feels properly lonely, which some walkers find brilliant and others find a bit bleak.

This is walker territory. Bring proper boots, water, and a map. The trail isn't complicated but it's moorland walking, so weather changes fast. Allow three hours return from Moffat town centre if you're taking it steadily.

If you're based at Moffat Camping and Caravanning Club Site, just 3.4 miles away, this works as a half-day excursion. Howslack Farm caravan site is a touch further at six miles, but still close enough for an early start. Neither park will give you the manicured holiday feeling - these are proper outdoor spots - but that's rather the point when you're tackling Scottish moorland.

It's free, obviously. Go midweek if you can. The weekends bring everyone out.