Drumlane Hill

The walk up Drumlane Hill isn't long, but it's steep enough to work up a proper sweat. Starting from Newton Stewart, you're looking at maybe 45 minutes to the summit depending on your pace and how many times you stop to catch your breath.

What makes it worthwhile is the view. From the top you get sight lines across Dumfries and Galloway that stretch for miles - on a clear day you can see right across to the hills beyond. The path itself is well-trodden but can be boggy in places, so good boots matter more than fitness.

It's the sort of walk that works best for families with kids aged eight or above. Younger ones might struggle with the gradient and loose ground underfoot. Solo walkers love it for the solitude. History types won't find much up there - just the view and whatever you bring in your head.

The real draw is how it slots into a park holiday at Drumroamin Farm, just five miles away. You've got Galloway Forest Park nearby for longer rambles, but this one's ideal for an afternoon when you want something quick and straightforward. Free to visit, naturally. Allow two hours all in if you're not rushing.

Best avoided in wet weather when the path turns into a mudslide. Late spring or early autumn gives you the clearest skies and fewest midges.