Shotton Hill

The walk up Shotton Hill rewards you with proper views across the Scottish Borders - that rolling countryside stretches out in all directions once you've climbed the 350-odd metres. It's not a tough slog, more of a steady plod from Coldstream direction, and you're looking at roughly an hour from the car park to the summit.

What you get up there is honest hillwalking without the crowds. The trig point marks the top, and on a clear day you can pick out the hills rolling away into the distance. It's the sort of place where you'll see maybe a handful of other walkers, which is refreshing if you're tired of the tourist circuit. The path itself is decent underfoot, though it can get boggy after rain - waterproof boots aren't optional, they're essential.

This works brilliantly as part of a Borders walking weekend. Coldstream itself sits just six miles away and has proper facilities for a base. If you're staying at Coldstream Holiday Park, you're perfectly positioned for a morning walk here before exploring the wider area. The view from the top genuinely justifies the effort, and it's the kind of hill that family groups with decent fitness levels will enjoy without anyone complaining it's too much.

Time-wise, allow two hours return including a rest at the top. Go early to avoid the midday sun bleaching out the views, and avoid the absolute boggy season straight after heavy rain.