Cowie Moor

The walk up Cowie Moor takes you through proper moorland that feels genuinely wild, even though it's only a short drive from Biggar. It's not a dramatic peak - nothing like the Highlands - but that's precisely what makes it work. The summit sits at a modest height, yet the views across South Lanarkshire stretch for miles once you're up there. On a clear day you can see the Clyde Valley spread out below, and the low-angle light catches the slopes in a way that photographs don't quite capture.

This is terrain for walkers rather than scrambler types. The moorland path is straightforward enough, though boggy in places, so waterproof boots are non-negotiable. Most people allow two to three hours return, depending on pace and whether you linger at the top. There's nothing here - no cafe, no visitor centre - so bring water and something to eat if you plan to stay up there for long.

Families with older kids will manage it fine. Younger ones might find the return leg tedious. History buffs won't find much to work with, so go for the walk itself rather than any cultural angle. Mount View Caravan Park sits just four miles away near Biggar, making this a straightforward morning outing if you're based there for a longer Scottish Lowlands break. The moor itself is free to access, as you'd expect with open moorland.