Harran Hill

The walk up Harran Hill takes about forty minutes if you're moving at a steady pace, and on a clear day the views across Kinross-shire are genuinely worth the effort. It's not a dramatic peak - nothing like the Cairns you'll see further north - but there's something satisfying about reaching the top and finding yourself alone with the Firth of Forth stretching out below.

This is proper hill-walking territory, though nothing too strenuous. The path is clear enough, the climb gradual rather than punishing. You're looking at maybe 300 metres of elevation gain, which means it suits families with older children and casual walkers far better than serious peak-baggers. Bring decent boots though - it gets boggy in places, especially after rain.

Best visited in autumn or early spring when midges aren't out in force and the light's that pale golden thing that makes everything photogenic. Summer brings crowds to the nearby parks - Wild Goose Glamping and Gallowhill Caravan Site are both within striking distance - so those quieter shoulder seasons are when Harran Hill feels most worth doing.

Allow a couple of hours return journey including a breather at the top. Kinross is close by if you need supplies before you set off. The hill itself sits on open moorland, so there's genuine exposure at the top - proper views, not just views of trees. If you're based at one of the local parks and have a free afternoon, this beats browsing a visitor centre any day.