Sheep Hill

The walk up Sheep Hill rewards you with proper views across the Renfrewshire landscape - nothing dramatic, but on a clear day you can see why locals bother with it. The summit isn't particularly high or technical; what makes it worthwhile is the gentle climb and the sense of being away from things, which counts for quite a bit in the Scottish Lowlands.

You're looking at maybe an hour's walk from the bottom, depending on your pace and which route you take. It's ideal for families who want something more than a stroll but less than a full fell-walking expedition. Older kids won't find it tedious, and the views at the top give you something to actually look at rather than just trees all the way up.

The nearest proper base is Ayrshire, which means you're well-positioned to combine this with other walks in the area. If you're staying at The Pods at Auchenhean just down the road, Sheep Hill makes a decent morning outing before heading somewhere else for lunch. Fair weather matters here - on a grey day it's a bit of a slog for no reward. Go when you've got visibility.

Bring decent boots rather than trainers. There's no café at the top and no facilities that I could find, so pack water. It's free to walk, obviously, and you can reach it easily from nearby villages. Worth the detour if you're in the area and the weather's cooperating.