The Rig

The Rig sits at 2,519 feet in the hills above Moffat, and on a clear day you can see why people make the trek up here. It's a proper hill walk rather than a casual stroll - the climb from the A701 takes a good couple of hours depending on your pace and which route you take. The summit itself is exposed and windswept, which means the views stretch for miles across Dumfries and Galloway's rolling countryside. On misty days it's a different beast altogether, so check the weather before you set out.

This is walkers' territory. Families with young children might struggle with the ascent, but teenagers who can handle a steady gradient will find it rewarding. The landscape up here is moorland and rough grass - nothing dramatic in terms of rock or scrambling, just relentless uphill until you reach the cairn at the top. You'll want proper walking boots and waterproofs; the weather changes fast at this altitude.

It's free to visit and accessible year-round, though winter brings snow and ice that make the path treacherous. Allow three to four hours for a round trip if you're averagely fit. The nearby Howslack Farm caravan site is your best bet for accommodation if you're basing yourself in the area - it's well-reviewed and puts you within striking distance of The Rig and the other Lowland hills. If you're doing a week of walking holidays in this corner of Scotland, The Rig works well as a warm-up or a mid-week change of pace between longer expeditions.