High Knypes

High Knypes sits at 1,900 feet in a landscape that rolls on for proper miles. The walk up from Sanquhar takes a couple of hours at a steady pace, and you're rewarded with views across the Lowlands that stretch all the way to the Galloway hills on a clear day. It's moorland terrain - windswept, quite exposed at the top, and there's a palpable sense of remoteness once you're up there.

The peak itself isn't dramatic. No dramatic cairn or trig point to mark the summit, just undulating ground and a real feeling of solitude. That's partly why it works. You'll not be queuing for selfies or navigating crowds. Walkers and anyone after genuine quiet will get the most from it. The terrain can be boggy lower down, so proper boots are essential, and the weather rolls in fast up here, so check the forecast before committing.

If you're basing yourself at Sunnyside Lodges nearby, it makes for a satisfying half-day expedition. The drive to the trailhead is straightforward from the lodge. Allow three to four hours total including rest time at the top. This isn't a peak that shouts about itself, and it doesn't need to. It's the kind of walk you do because you want to get away from things, not because you're ticking boxes.