Biggar

Rolling hills stretch in every direction from this modest market town that punches well above its weight for countryside access. Biggar sits in the heart of the Southern Uplands, surrounded by a collection of peaks that would make any hill walker giddy with excitement. The town itself is proper old-school Scotland - stone buildings, wide streets, and the kind of place where everyone knows everyone.

Castle Hill dominates the immediate skyline, while the remains of Lindsay Tower at Crawford Castle hint at the area's feudal past. The War Memorial stands as a focal point in town, but it's really the surrounding landscape that steals the show. White Hill offers cracking views across the Clyde Valley, and for those after a proper walk, Rodger Law and Hawkwood Hill provide decent climbs without being too punishing.

Getting here is straightforward enough - Biggar lies roughly halfway between Glasgow and the Borders on the A702. The nearest railway station is at Lanark, about 15 miles northeast, so you'll need wheels to make the most of the area. Edinburgh's about an hour's drive, Glasgow slightly less.

Staying at one of the nearby parks makes perfect sense if you're keen on exploring the Southern Uplands properly. You've got immediate access to a dozen named peaks within walking distance, plus the town's shops and pubs when you need supplies or a pint after a day on the hills. Mount View Caravan Park and Riverside Holiday Park both offer decent bases, though facilities are fairly basic - this isn't glamping country, more proper outdoor territory.