Ernfillan Hill (Cnoc Earrann Fhaolain)

The walk up Ernfillan Hill rewards you with views across Dumfries and Galloway that make the climb worthwhile, even on a day when the cloud's sitting a bit low. It's not a particularly high peak - nothing that'll leave you gasping for breath - but the approach is straightforward enough and the moorland around it has a proper wild feel to it. Castle Douglas sits nearby, so you can base yourself there and tackle this as a half-day outing.

What you get is a genuine hill walk rather than a stroll. The terrain changes as you climb, and on a clear day you'll see right across the Lowlands. The views alone make it worth the effort, and you won't find crowds up here. Walkers and anyone after a bit of solitude will get the most from it - families with young children might find the ascent a touch tedious, but older kids who enjoy being outdoors will manage fine.

There's no visitor facility at the summit, so bring water and something to eat if you're planning to linger. The walk takes a couple of hours depending on your pace and how often you stop to take in the landscape. If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Loch Ken Holiday Park is less than five miles away - this makes an excellent addition to a longer break exploring the region. Go early in the day for better light and to beat any afternoon weather rolling in off the Irish Sea.