Mid Craig

The walk up Mid Craig takes about forty minutes from the car park near Dumfries, and rewards you with proper views across the Solway Firth toward England. It's not a dramatic peak - more of a steady climb through moorland that builds rather than shocks - but on a clear day the panorama justifies the effort.

This is walker territory, pure and simple. The terrain is straightforward enough for anyone with decent fitness, though the final push gets a bit steep. Families with younger children might find it hard going, though determined kids aged ten-plus would manage fine. Bring proper boots; the ground can be boggy after rain and there's no shelter up top.

The appeal here is the space and solitude rather than any dramatic rock formations or summit facilities. You get the Lowlands spread out around you - moorland, forestry, the distant coast - and a real sense of having properly walked for it. On weekdays especially, you'll have the place largely to yourself.

If you're based at one of the caravan parks within four miles of Dumfries - Hemplands Farm, Marthrown of Mabie or Newbridge Country Park - Mid Craig makes a solid morning outing. It's not a must-do, but it breaks up a park holiday well. Allow two to three hours return, pack water, and go early to beat any afternoon mist rolling in from the coast. Free to access, naturally.