Meadow Hill

The walk up Meadow Hill from Newton Stewart takes you through proper Lowland countryside - rolling moorland, rough grass, the works. It's not a dramatic summit by Scottish standards, but the views across Dumfries and Galloway justify the effort, especially if you time it for late afternoon when the light turns everything golden.

The climb itself is straightforward enough for reasonably fit walkers, though the final stretch gets a bit boggy depending on recent rainfall. You'll want decent boots. Most people allow a couple of hours there and back, though you could linger at the top if the weather's kind.

This suits walkers far more than families with young kids - the terrain's unforgiving and there's no café or facilities at the summit. That said, it's ideal if you're after a decent leg-stretcher without committing to a full day's hiking. The views alone make it worth the detour if you're staying in the area, particularly around Newton Stewart.

If you're based at Barnharrow Holiday Pods just down the road, Meadow Hill makes an excellent morning or late-afternoon venture. The pods are well-positioned for exploring the wider Galloway landscape, and this walk connects you properly to the terrain rather than just rolling past it in a car. Go on a clear day - mist rolls in fast here, and you'll see nothing but grey.