Drinkstone Hill

The climb up Drinkstone Hill takes about twenty minutes from the car park near Hawick, and it's steep enough to make you proper huff on a warm day. What you get for that effort is a 360-degree view across the Scottish Borders that makes the burn in your calves feel entirely justified. On clear days you can see right across rolling moorland and forested valleys - the Cheviot Hills sit on the horizon like a dark wall. It's the sort of view that explains why people walk in Scotland even when the weather's threatening.

The hill itself isn't fancy. There's a trig point at the summit, rough grass underfoot, and the occasional sheep looking faintly suspicious of visitors. You won't find facilities or interpretation boards - this is proper hill country, the kind where you turn up ready to walk and leave when you've had enough. Most people allow forty minutes to an hour round trip, depending on fitness and how long you linger at the top.

For walkers, it's brilliant - accessible enough that reasonably fit families can manage it, but with genuine reward for the effort. If you're staying at Stouslie Snugs Luxury Farm Glamping just over a mile away, it's the perfect morning outing before breakfast. Less appealing for people after manicured attractions or picnic areas - this is backcountry border country where you're expected to be self-sufficient. The path can be muddy after rain, so come prepared.