Burnswark Hill

The walk up Burnswark Hill takes about forty minutes if you're reasonably fit, and it's one of those Scottish hills that rewards you properly for the effort. The summit sits at 367 metres, which doesn't sound dramatic until you're standing on top looking across Dumfries and Galloway toward the Solway Firth. On a clear day the views stretch into England.

What makes it interesting beyond the views is the Iron Age fort that crowns the top - you can still make out the defensive ditches and ramparts. There's also a Roman camp lower down the slope, evidence of the two forces who fought over this strategic spot. It's not ruins-you-can-touch stuff, more like reading the landscape itself.

This works best for walkers and history types rather than families with young kids, though teenagers who aren't bored by archaeology will find it compelling. The path is steep in places and can get boggy after rain, so proper boots are essential. Budget a couple of hours return from the car park, longer if you're examining the fort properly.

Lockerbie is the nearest town, about five miles south, and the hill sits nicely within reach of the caravan parks dotted around - Cressfield is closest at under three miles, making it a brilliant half-day excursion from a holiday base. The surrounding Lowlands have plenty of other walks if you want to build a proper hiking trip. Go when the weather's settled; the exposed summit can be grim in wind and rain.