Glengaber Hill

The walk up Glengaber Hill from Sanquhar takes you through proper Lowland countryside - moorland and rough grass that can be boggy in places, so decent boots matter. It's not a particularly dramatic ascent, nothing like the Highlands, but the views across Dumfries and Galloway are genuinely worth the effort once you're up there. You can see for miles on a clear day.

This is one for walkers who want a straightforward hill day without the crowds or the altitude drama. An hour up, an hour down if you're moving steadily, though there's no rush. Families with kids aged eight or older would manage it fine, though younger ones might find the boggy bits tedious. The moorland terrain means you're exposed to weather, so check conditions before heading out - it can turn grey and damp quickly.

There's something satisfying about these Scottish Lowland peaks that don't make the guidebooks. No visitor centre, no facilities, just you and the landscape. Free, obviously. The nearest civilisation is Sanquhar, a small market town that's seen better days but has a handful of cafes and shops.

If you're staying at Sunnyside Lodges - just over five miles away - this makes a decent morning outing before lunch. It's the kind of place that feels proper Scottish without requiring a full expedition. Go when the weather's settled. You'll know quickly if it's worth your time.