Upper Tors

The walk up to Upper Tors rewards you with one of the better viewpoints in this corner of Dumfries and Galloway, though it's not the sort of place you'd stumble upon by accident. The peak sits above Castle Douglas, and on a clear day the views across the Lowlands stretch far enough to make the climb feel justified.

It's a proper hill-walker's destination rather than a casual family stroll. The terrain gets steep towards the top, and you'll want decent boots - the ground can be boggy lower down and loose higher up. Most people allow between one and a half to two hours for the round trip depending on fitness, though you could do it quicker if you're keen. There's no café at the top, no facilities, just open hillside and the view.

Walkers staying at Loch Ken Holiday Park, just 2.5 miles away, will find this a manageable morning or afternoon outing. Pair it with a walk round the loch itself for a solid day out. Winter visits can be grim - wind whistles through here - but spring and autumn are cracking times, when you won't be fighting the midges and the visibility is usually decent.

Bring water and snacks. It's free to walk, as you'd expect for an open hillside. Kids will either love the scramble or find it tedious after twenty minutes - depends entirely on the child. Worth the effort if you're already in the area and like getting up hills.