Skate Hill

Skate Hill lives up to its name - a proper steep pull up from Newton Stewart that rewards you with genuinely excellent views across the Lowlands. The walk itself is straightforward enough, though your calves will know about it by the time you reach the top. From up there you can see for miles across rolling farmland and moorland, and on a clear day the perspective on the wider landscape really clicks into place.

It's the sort of spot that works best for walkers who don't mind a bit of graft for their vistas. Families with younger kids might find the climb tiring without much to occupy them at the summit itself - there's no café or play area, just the view and the wind. That said, if you've got teenagers or keen hikers in tow, it's worth the detour. Allow a solid hour to get up and back down comfortably.

The hill sits close enough to Newton Stewart that you could easily slot it into a wider day exploring the town and surrounding area. If you're staying at Drumroamin Farm just over a mile away, it's practically on your doorstep and makes for an excellent early-morning walk before breakfast. The real appeal here is the effort-to-reward ratio - not a massive undertaking, but the panorama makes the climb feel worthwhile. Go on a day when the weather's settled; windy conditions or low cloud take the shine off the view considerably.