The Kip

The Kip sits 430 metres above Coldstream, a straightforward hill that gives proper views across the Scottish Borders without demanding much from you. It's a short walk from the town - most people manage it in under an hour return - and the climb itself is gentle enough that you won't arrive at the top gasping.

What you get is a genuine 360-degree panorama. On a clear day you can pick out the Cheviot Hills rolling away south into England, and northward the landscape just keeps going. The summit is marked with a modest cairn, nothing fancy. It's the kind of place where you understand why people have walked up hills for centuries - not for the destination, but for the way it changes your perspective on everything around you.

This suits walkers who want a quick leg-stretch without a major commitment, or families with children old enough to manage a steady incline. History types might appreciate that you're in Borders country, proper raid and reivers territory, though the hill itself isn't screaming that story at you. Allow an hour and a half if you're taking photos or sitting for a bit.

If you're based at Coldstream Holiday Park for a week, The Kip makes a decent morning outing before heading elsewhere. It's the kind of walk that clears your head without consuming your day. Bring layers - the weather can turn quickly up there.