The Mull

The Mull rises up sharp and sudden from the rolling Lowlands near Thornhill, and it's the sort of hill that looks deceptively modest until you're halfway up wondering why your calves are on fire. It's a proper little peak rather than a gentle stroll - about 600 metres of solid walking with real views across Dumfries & Galloway once you've earned them. The approach from Thornhill is straightforward enough, though the final push gets steep. On a clear day you can see right across the Southern Uplands, which makes the grunt worthwhile.

This is best tackled by walkers who want something with a bit of teeth but nothing mountaineering-serious. Families with decent-aged kids will manage it fine, though very small ones might find it heavy going. You'll need a couple of hours including a breather at the top, where there's a trig point and the kind of wide-open space that makes you understand why people come to Scotland. It's free, naturally, and you can do it any time that suits.

If you're basing yourself at one of the nearby campsites - Red Squirrel is genuinely excellent and only 2.6 miles away, while Penpont and The Outdoor Hotel offer decent alternatives - The Mull works perfectly as a morning or afternoon excursion. Pair it with a pint in Thornhill afterwards and you've got a solid day. Not Instagram spectacular, but rewarding in the proper sense.