Little Airds Hill

The walk up Little Airds Hill takes about forty minutes from Castle Douglas and rewards you with proper views across the Solway Firth towards the Lake District fells. It's not a technical climb - more of a steady trudge through mixed woodland that opens out onto moorland - but the effort feels worth it once you're standing at the top looking south.

This is walkers' territory, really. There's nothing fancy here, no café or visitor centre, just a quiet peak that lets you see why people bother with the Scottish Lowlands at all. The path is well-trodden enough to follow but you'll want decent boots, especially after rain when it gets boggy. Allow a couple of hours return if you're taking your time and stopping to look at the view properly.

If you're camped at one of the nearby sites - Castle Point is closest at just over three miles away, or push out to Sandyhills Bay or Kippford if you fancy being nearer the coast - this makes an excellent morning or late-afternoon outing. The walk clears your head without being a full day commitment, and it's the sort of thing kids aged eight-plus will actually enjoy rather than complain about.

Go early if you can. The light's better, you'll likely have the summit to yourself, and you'll be back in time for a decent pub lunch in Castle Douglas. The view's genuinely good on a clear day - don't expect drama, but expect peace.