Byres Hill

The walk up Byres Hill takes twenty minutes at a steady pace, and the payoff is a genuine 360-degree view across East Lothian that beats many of the more famous peaks in the region. You're looking out towards the Firth of Forth on a clear day, with the Lammermuir Hills rolling away to the south and the coast stretching east towards Dunbar.

It's a straightforward ascent - nothing technical, nothing that'll have your legs screaming - which makes it ideal for families who want a proper hill walk without the commitment of a three-hour slog. Kids tend to enjoy it because there's a real destination at the top rather than just "more trees". The views alone make the effort feel worthwhile, though I'll be honest, if the weather's in, you might as well skip it and head to the beach instead.

There's free access and no formal facilities to speak of, so bring water and decent shoes. Spring and early autumn are your best bets - the midges can be relentless in July and August. From Haven Seton Sands Holiday Village, you're only five miles away, making this an easy half-day addition to a seaside holiday. Park near the base, leave an hour and a half total, and you'll be back in time for lunch. It works well alongside the coastal walks and dunes nearby, giving you variety without having to drive far.