Craigmurchie

The walk up Craigmurchie takes you through proper Dumfries and Galloway countryside, climbing steadily from the Newton Stewart side until the landscape opens up around you. It's not a brutal slog - more of a determined hike that rewards you with views across the Lowlands that stretch further than you'd expect from a peak that's not particularly high. The summit itself is fairly exposed, which means the wind can bite, but on a clear day you'll spot distant ridges and the roll of the moorland spreading out beneath your boots.

This one suits walkers who like their hills without the scrambling. Families with older kids will manage it fine if they're used to a couple of hours on foot; younger children might find the approach a touch dull. The real appeal is the sense of isolation you get up there - it doesn't feel like a honeypot destination, and you're unlikely to queue for photos.

Timing-wise, allow two to three hours depending on fitness and whether you linger. There's no visitor infrastructure at the summit, so bring water and something to eat if you're making a proper afternoon of it. The peak sits well within reach of Galloway Forest Holiday Park, which is only a few miles away, making it a solid addition to a Dumfries and Galloway break if you're already in the area. Best visited when the weather's settled - the exposed top becomes grim in driving rain.