White Eldrick

The walk up White Eldrick from Castle Douglas takes you through proper Dumfries and Galloway countryside - rolling farmland giving way to moorland as you gain height. It's not a dramatic peak by Scottish standards, but that's rather the point. The summit sits at around 300 metres, making it accessible for most walkers without the slog of a Cairngorms trek.

What you get for your effort is a genuine all-rounder's view. On a clear day you can pick out the Solway Firth to the south and, if you're lucky, the Lake District hills beyond. North and west stretch the emptier hills of Galloway proper. The paths are well-trodden but never crowded, and you'll likely have the summit mostly to yourself, especially on weekdays.

Allow about two hours return from the trailhead - it's not technically demanding, just a steady climb. Families with older kids (say, eight and up) will manage it fine; younger ones might find it a bit relentless without a proper incentive at the top. There's no café or facilities, so bring water and a packed lunch if you fancy eating at the summit.

If you're camping nearby - and there's Silver Craigs and Kippford View Holiday Park within easy reach - White Eldrick makes a solid morning walk before heading to the beach at Kippford or exploring Castle Douglas itself. It's the sort of walk that won't blow your mind, but you'll feel genuinely pleased you did it.