Mulniegarroch

Mulniegarroch doesn't announce itself - you'll spot it rising above the moorland south of Newton Stewart, a modest peak that punches above its weight for views. At 636 metres, it's not a mammoth undertaking, but the walk up rewards properly. The summit opens onto Dumfries & Galloway rolling out in all directions, with glimpses of the Solway Firth if conditions allow.

This is walker territory. It's the kind of hill that appeals to people who want proper exercise without needing rock-climbing skills or specialist gear. You're looking at a couple of hours there and back from the base, depending on your route and fitness. The paths are reasonably well-trodden but can be boggy in wet weather - which, let's be honest, is often in these parts.

Families with older kids who've done a few hills will manage it fine. Younger children might find the moorland landscape a bit relentless and featureless, though the sense of achievement at the top counts for something. History enthusiasts won't find ruins or monuments here - this is about landscape and solitude, not stories.

If you're staying at Three Lochs Holiday Park or Barnharrow Holiday Pods nearby, Mulniegarroch makes a cracking morning outing before heading elsewhere. It doesn't dominate an itinerary, but it's exactly what you want if you're after genuine walking country without the crowds of busier Scottish peaks. Spring and autumn are ideal - summer can be midgy, winter requires more caution.