Marthrown Hill

The walk up Marthrown Hill takes you out of Dumfries into proper countryside within minutes. It's not a dramatic peak - more of a substantial bump on the landscape - but the views back towards town and across the Lowlands are worth the climb, especially on a clear day.

This is one for walkers rather than sightseers. The path is straightforward enough, though it can get boggy underfoot depending on the weather, so decent boots are wise. Allow an hour each way if you're taking it at a gentle pace. The whole thing is free, naturally - you're on open moorland - and there's no visitor infrastructure to speak of, which keeps it refreshingly uncrowded compared to the honeypot hills elsewhere in Scotland.

Families with older children will manage it fine, but younger kids might find it a bit of a slog with limited payoff at the summit - there's no café or shelter up top. That said, if you're staying at one of the caravan parks nearby - Marthrown of Mabie is practically on the doorstep, or Nunland Hillside Lodges and Auchenfranco campsite are just down the road - it's a useful way to burn off energy on a half-day.

Come on a weekday morning if you can. Weekends bring out the local dog walkers, and the car park (such as it is) fills up. Best in spring or early autumn when the ground's reasonably dry and you're not fighting through bracken.