Shiel Hill

The walk up Shiel Hill from Sanquhar takes about an hour and rewards you with proper views across the Southern Uplands. It's not a dramatic peak - we're talking 407 metres rather than dramatic ridge-walking territory - but on a clear day you can see right across Dumfries & Galloway, which is exactly what you want from a Lowland walk.

Start from the south of Sanquhar and follow the track up through moorland. The terrain is straightforward rather than technical, so it suits families with older kids and anyone after a bit of legit exercise without the scrambling. In wet weather the path gets boggy, mind you, so waterproof boots aren't optional.

Fully free, no charges, no facilities at the top. Allow a good two hours if you're taking your time with photo stops. Early morning gives you the clearest light and fewer midges in summer.

If you're basing yourself at Sunnyside Lodges nearby, this makes an excellent half-day outing to break up a park holiday. It's close enough not to eat into your day, but far enough to feel like a proper walk rather than a stroll. Best visited between May and September when the weather's more predictable - winter winds here can be surprisingly fierce for the height.