Dow Craig Hill

The walk up Dow Craig Hill from Kirkcudbright takes about ninety minutes if you're moving steadily, and the effort pays off with proper views across the Solway Firth towards the Lake District hills. It's a modest peak by Scottish standards - not much more than a thousand feet - but the approach winds through woodland before opening onto moorland, which makes the landscape feel properly wild once you're up there.

On a clear day you'll see the Mull of Galloway to the southwest and Criffel rising across the water in England. The summit itself is fairly bare, so weather matters; in mist it's rather dull, but spring and early autumn tend to offer the clearest light. Most walkers allow two and a half hours for the round trip, which is sensible if you want time to sit and look at the view without rushing.

This suits anyone with decent fitness and waterproofs - the paths aren't technical but they're often boggy underfoot. Families with older kids will manage it fine; younger ones might find it a slog for the reward. It's the sort of walk that justifies itself if you're already based in the area for a few days rather than a quick afternoon jaunt.

If you're camping at Silver Craigs or Galloway Glamping, both just down the road, this makes a proper outing without needing to drive anywhere. The town of Kirkcudbright itself has plenty of character - galleries, cafes, an actual working harbour - so you could easily combine the walk with an afternoon wandering around.