Crow WOod

Crow Wood is a proper forest walk just outside Lockerbie, and it's the sort of place where you can actually lose yourself for an afternoon without worrying about crowds. The woodland paths meander through native Scottish trees - mainly oak and birch - with decent signposting that stops you going round in circles, though the terrain can get boggy after rain so proper boots are essential.

It's ideal for families wanting a few hours of fresh air without the intensity of a proper fell walk. Kids will enjoy spotting wildlife and the paths are manageable for reasonably energetic juniors, though you'll want to budget a couple of hours minimum to do it justice. Walkers will appreciate the quiet - this isn't the Trossachs, and that's precisely why it works. The woodland canopy is lovely in spring when everything's greening up, and autumn brings proper colour without the visitor chaos you'd get at busier Scottish destinations.

Access is free and there's no time restriction, though there's minimal infrastructure - no tearoom or visitor centre - so bring what you need. It fits perfectly with a base at Hoddom Castle Caravan Park just down the road, which means you can do this as a morning expedition before heading to other Dumfries & Galloway attractions. Go when the weather's settled rather than after heavy rain unless you fancy squelching. Not Instagram-famous, but that's rather the point.