Hardrig Head

The walk up Hardrig Head rewards you with proper views across South Lanarkshire - on a clear day you can see right out to the Southern Uplands. It's not a massive peak, but that's rather the point: you can knock it out in an afternoon without needing fell-running fitness.

The route from Biggar takes you through quiet moorland, which suits walkers who actually want to think rather than just huff uphill. The summit itself isn't dramatic - no wild scrambling, no exposed ridges - but the panorama is genuine. You'll spot the Lowther Hills off to the south if visibility's on your side.

This is good country for families with older kids who've sussed out that walking is more fun than sitting in a caravan. Younger ones might find the moorland stretch a bit tedious. History types will get a kick from standing where the Wallace family once held sway - that whole corner of South Lanarkshire is soaked in medieval border politics.

Timing-wise, give yourself three to four hours for a comfortable round trip. The terrain's boggy in places after rain, so waterproof boots aren't a luxury. Spring and early autumn are best - you'll avoid the midges that can make summer a nightmare.

If you're based at Mount View Caravan Park near Biggar, this makes an excellent half-day outing to break up a quiet week. It's the sort of walk that doesn't need a visitor centre or café to justify the petrol - just decent air and honest ground.