Ruegill Hill

The walk up Ruegill Hill from Moffat takes about an hour and rewards you with proper views across the Lowlands - nothing dramatic, but the kind of rolling countryside that makes you remember why you came to southern Scotland in the first place. It's not a serious hill by any stretch, which means families with reasonably fit kids can manage it without the usual arguments about turning back.

The summit sits at just over 500 metres, so you're high enough to see something, but low enough that the climb stays manageable. The path is straightforward, mostly following the ridge, and on a clear day you can make out the Lake District hills to the south. On a grey one - which happens more often than not round here - you get atmospheric mist and the satisfaction of being above it.

This is walker territory, frankly. If you're after a quick stroll or a spot for a picnic, you'll want somewhere else. But if you're camped at Moffat Camping and Caravanning Club Site and you've got a free afternoon, it's absolutely worth the detour. The town of Moffat itself is small and functional rather than exciting, so having a decent hill walk nearby is a genuine plus.

Allow two to three hours for the whole outing including time at the top. There's no cafe or facilities on the hill itself, so bring what you need. The best light is late afternoon, when the sun catches the hills to the west. It's free, it's accessible, and it does what it says on the tin.