Shore Hill

The walk up Shore Hill rewards you with proper views across the Solway Firth - on a clear day you can see right over to the English coast. It's a modest peak by Scottish standards, but don't let that fool you into thinking it's a doddle. The climb from Dalbeattie takes a solid hour or so depending on your fitness, and the path gets steep towards the top. You're walking through farmland and woodland mostly, so it feels quite intimate rather than exposed.

This is the sort of walk that appeals to families who don't want to commit to a full mountain day but still want that sense of achievement. Kids aged eight upwards will manage it fine if they're used to hills. History types might enjoy knowing this area has roots in granite quarrying - Dalbeattie granite was famously used for everything from kerbs to monuments - though Shore Hill itself is just a straightforward hill climb rather than a heritage experience.

Based near Dalbeattie, you're perfectly placed to make this a half-morning walk before heading to one of the holiday parks scattered around the area. Gorsebank and Boutique Bothy Glamping Barns are practically on the doorstep if you're looking to stay overnight. If you want something with more facilities, Kippford Holiday Park sits just 1.4 miles away and gives you access to the coastal hamlet too. The walk is free, obviously, and you can do it year-round though winter mud can be grim. Allow two hours return if you're not rushing.