Mid Craig

Mid Craig sits roughly 2,500 feet above Moffat, and on a clear day the walk up rewards you with views across the Southern Uplands that stretch to the Solway Firth. It's a proper hill rather than a casual stroll - the gradient is relentless in sections, and you'll feel your legs by the halfway point. The peak itself is moorland, windswept and open, with a cairn marking the summit. From here you can see Merrick to the west and the rolling hills of Galloway rolling away into the distance.

Walkers will get the most from this one. It's not a tourist attraction with facilities or interpretation boards; it's just good solid hill walking. Allow three to four hours for the round trip from Moffat, depending on fitness. The paths are reasonably well-defined but can get boggy after rain, so proper footwear matters. Spring and early autumn are best - summer can bring the midges, and winter requires experience on higher ground.

This works nicely alongside a broader Lowlands walking holiday. Riverside Holiday Park sits just outside Moffat, only five miles or so from the trailhead, making it a logical base. The town itself has a decent range of accommodation and cafes if you want to refuel after exertion. Mid Craig suits experienced walkers who don't need visitor attractions - just good views and honest miles underfoot. If you're after easy paths and gift shops, look elsewhere.