West Thorney

The walk up West Thorney rewards you with proper views across the Solway Firth and over towards the Lake District on a clear day. It's a modest hill by Scottish standards - nothing that'll take your breath away fitness-wise - but the vistas from the top make it well worth the climb from Stranraer.

You're looking at grassland moorland rather than dramatic peaks, with the sort of expansive outlook that makes you understand why people settle in these parts despite the weather. The climb isn't steep enough to deter families with older kids, though younger ones might find the walk tedious without the promise of a specific payoff at the summit.

Allow yourself a couple of hours for the full outing including the ascent and time to actually stand about and soak it in. There's no visitor infrastructure up there - bring water and something to eat if you're making an afternoon of it. The best light hits the firth in late afternoon, so time your walk accordingly.

If you're based at Sands of Luce Holiday Park just down the road, this is an obvious half-day option when the weather's cooperating. The moorland walking around here suits people who want proper exercise without technical challenge, and it beats staring at the caravan for the afternoon. Fair warning: the top can be breezy and the path's muddy after rain.