East Lomond

The walk up East Lomond takes you through proper Fife countryside before opening onto views that stretch across the region towards the coast. It's not a particularly high peak - 422 metres - but the climb is straightforward enough from the car park near Falkland, and you'll find yourself alone more often than not, which is refreshing when you compare it to the honeypot hills elsewhere in Scotland.

The actual summit feels earthy and exposed rather than showy. On a clear day you can see across Tayside towards the Sidlaws, and on particularly good visibility you might catch sight of the Firth of Forth. The real appeal is the walk itself though - it's decent graft without being punishing, taking roughly an hour up and forty minutes back down for someone of moderate fitness.

This one suits walkers after something genuine rather than postcard-perfect. Families with older kids who've got their hiking legs will manage it fine; younger ones might find it tedious in the middle section where the path flattens through woodland. There's no cafe or facilities at the top, so bring water and something to eat.

If you're basing yourself near Glenrothes - perhaps at Balbirnie Park Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite or Kingdom Caravan Park - East Lomond works as a proper morning activity before heading somewhere else for lunch. It's honest countryside hiking without any pretence, and frankly that's exactly what a lot of people want from Fife.