Whitefaud Rig

Whitefaud Rig rises sharply from the moorland south of Thornhill, offering one of those walks that rewards you far more handsomely than the climb suggests it will. The peak itself isn't dramatic - you won't find Alpine grandeur here - but from the top the Lowlands roll out in all directions, and on a clear day you can pick out the Solway Firth to the south. The walk up takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour depending on fitness, following a fairly obvious path through heather and rough grass. It's not technical, just steep enough to keep your legs honest.

This is proper walking country rather than a tourist attraction with facilities, so come prepared: waterproofs are essential, water bottle too. There's no charge and no fixed hours because you're basically just heading onto open moorland. The real draw is the solitude. You'll rarely see crowds up here, even in summer.

Walkers will get the most from Whitefaud Rig - families with young children might find the climb a bit of a grind without much to break it up. That said, energetic kids aged eight and upwards should manage it fine. The views make it worthwhile rather than punishing. Allow three hours if you're going up and back at a leisurely pace with photo stops.

It sits well within a Dumfries & Galloway holiday park itinerary. Penpont Holiday Park is barely two miles away, putting you within spitting distance for an early start. Red Squirrel Campsite and The Outdoor Hotel are slightly further afield but still reasonable bases for exploring the area's moorland walks and quiet Lowland scenery.