Wee Dod

Wee Dod sits just outside Moffat, a modest hill that punches above its weight if you're after a proper walk without the full commitment of tackling the Merrick or Hart Fell nearby. It's not a dramatic summit - the name alone tells you what to expect - but the views across Dumfries & Galloway are genuinely rewarding, especially on a clear day when you can see right across the valleys.

The walk itself takes about an hour from the road, depending on your pace and which route you fancy. It's manageable for families with older kids, though the ground can be boggy after rain, so decent boots are essential. There's something appealing about Scottish hills that haven't been trampled into submission by tourism - you'll likely have the place to yourself, which feels like a proper bonus.

This works brilliantly as part of a broader walking holiday in the area. Moffat's got three decent caravan sites within striking distance - Howslack Farm, Riverside Holiday Park, and the Moffat Camping and Caravanning Club Site - so you can base yourself nearby and work through the local peaks without moving camp. The town itself is functional rather than fancy, with enough tearooms and shops to keep you sorted between walks.

Go on a weekday if you can. Summer's obvious, but autumn here is crackling - clearer skies and fewer midges. Worth the detour if you're already in the area, though don't expect any facilities on the hill itself.