Kipple Hill

The climb up through the forestry plantation feels deceptively gentle until the final push to the summit. Kipple Hill rewards those who make the effort with sweeping views across Dumfries and Galloway's rolling countryside, though it's hardly Scotland's most dramatic peak. Standing at a modest height, this is more of a pleasant afternoon walk than a proper mountain expedition.

Families with older children will find the route manageable, though the youngest might struggle with the steeper sections near the top. The path can get muddy after rain - proper walking boots are definitely worth bringing. On a clear day, you'll spot the Solway Firth glinting in the distance.

The summit itself is fairly unremarkable - a grassy top with a small cairn - but the 360-degree views make the hour-long ascent worthwhile. It's free to climb, naturally, and you can start from several points around Castle Douglas. Allow two to three hours for the round trip, depending on how long you linger at the top.

For families staying at one of the nearby caravan parks like Mollance Farm or Glenearly, Kipple Hill makes a decent day out when the weather's cooperating. Just don't expect anything too spectacular - this is gentle Lowland walking rather than Highland drama.