Whitefauld Hill

The walk up Whitefauld Hill rewards you with proper views across Dumfries and Galloway that justify the leg work. It's not a particularly demanding climb, which means you won't spend all day huffing to the summit, but the moorland terrain keeps things interesting enough that it never feels like a trudge.

Once you're up there, the landscape opens out. Rolling hills roll away in every direction, and on a clear day you can see well beyond the immediate area. The approach is mostly straightforward moorland walking, so no technical scrambling or anything daft like that. Bring decent boots though - it can get boggy depending on rainfall.

This works brilliantly if you're based in or near Dumfries and want to shake off cabin fever without committing to a full day's expedition. An hour and a half up, half hour pottering about at the top, then the descent - you're back before lunch. It's the sort of walk that appeals to walkers who like proper views without the mountain marathon drama, and families with teenagers will find it accessible without being a bore.

If you're staying at Burnside of Ae Glamping just down the road, this is an obvious choice for a morning outing before breakfast. The peak itself is free and unsupervised, so come when the light suits you. Spring through early autumn are your best bets weather-wise, though even winter can deliver if you time it right.