Green Hill

You'll find Green Hill rising up from the Renfrewshire landscape just a short drive from Ayrshire - nothing dramatic, but the kind of walk that rewards you without demanding mountaineering boots. The summit gives proper views across the lowlands, and on a clear day you can pick out the Firth of Clyde stretching away. It's a straightforward hike, taking most people 45 minutes to an hour up, depending on fitness and how often you stop to catch your breath. The path gets muddy after rain, so waterproofs aren't optional.

This is squarely a walkers' terrain. Families with older kids will manage fine; younger ones might flag on the descent. There's nothing to do once you're up there except stand about, take photos, and eat a sandwich - which some will find perfect and others slightly dull. No facilities at the summit, so bring water.

The real value is threading this into a broader walking day. The Pods at Auchenhean sits five and a half miles away and makes a solid base if you're planning several Lowland walks. Green Hill works as a half-day outing when the weather's promising, combined with exploring the quieter corners of Ayrshire itself. It won't take your breath away like the Trossachs or a proper Highland peak, but it's a honest walk with decent rewards. Worth doing if you're in the area and the clouds aren't sitting on the summit.