The Dod

The Dod rises abruptly from the moorland south of Biggar - a proper fell rather than a mountain, but the climb pays dividends. The summit sits at 631 metres, which doesn't sound much until you're halfway up and the Lowland plateau keeps stretching away beneath you. On a clear day you can see across to the Pentlands and beyond; on a grey one, you're wrapped in mist wondering why you didn't check the forecast.

It's a walker's hill, no question. Most people tackling it from the Walston Glen side will allow a good two hours up and the same back down - the paths are reasonably well-trodden but can get boggy after rain. Families with young kids might struggle unless they're already keen hikers; this isn't a casual stroll. The views matter more than the destination itself, so timing is crucial.

If you're staying at Mount View Caravan Park just four miles away, The Dod makes a solid half-day excursion. It's the kind of walk that clears your head without exhausting you completely. Free to access, naturally - just park sensibly at the trailhead and respect the moorland. Go early if the forecast is dodgy; cloud rolls in quickly across these hills, and you don't want to be stumbling down in murk. The surrounding moorland is genuinely wild, which is rare enough in the Scottish Lowlands to feel worth seeking out.