Corwar Hill

The walk up Corwar Hill takes about an hour from Newton Stewart, and it's one of those Scottish hills that rewards you properly without demanding a full day's graft. The summit sits at a modest height but the views across Dumfries and Galloway open up surprisingly well - you get the Merrick range sprawling out if the weather cooperates, and on clear days you can pick out the contours of the surrounding farmland stretching towards the coast.

It's a straightforward hike, nothing technical, so families with teenagers will manage fine. Younger kids might find it a bit of a slog on the way up, but there's something satisfying about reaching the top together. The paths are reasonably maintained and there's a proper sense of accomplishment at the cairn - which is more than you get from some of the tamer Lowland walks.

Worth doing as part of a longer day out in the area rather than a standalone trip. If you're based at Drumroamin Farm or Auchenlarie Holiday Park, Corwar makes a decent morning walk that won't eat your whole schedule. Go midweek if you can - weekends bring more footfall than you'd expect for a hill this size. The light's nicest in late afternoon, but you'll want to start early enough to be back before dusk. Free to walk, naturally, and bring water - there's nowhere to buy it at the top.