Glenrae Dod

The walk up Glenrae Dod from Sanquhar isn't flashy, but it delivers proper views across the Lowlands if you catch the weather right. It's a straightforward hill rather than a technical scramble - the sort of thing you can knock out in a couple of hours without needing ropes or specialist kit.

The main appeal is the walk itself more than any facilities at the top. You get decent vistas over moorland and farmland, with a sense of actually going somewhere rather than just padding around a manicured nature trail. The climb is steady rather than brutal, which means families with capable walkers won't struggle, though younger kids might find it a bit of a slog on the way back down.

Timing-wise, allow two to three hours door-to-door. Go on a clear day - midweek is better than weekends if you want some peace. There's no café or shop up there, so bring water and snacks.

If you're based at Sunnyside Lodges (just under six miles away), this makes a solid half-day outing that won't eat into your whole visit. The lodges are well-rated, and having this accessible peak nearby means you're not dependent on driving miles for decent walking. Sanquhar itself is a small town with basic services, so stock up there before heading out. Worth doing if the weather looks decent, but don't rearrange your holiday around it.