Blates Mill Dam

The dam itself is frankly unremarkable - a functional concrete barrier across the water - but the reservoir it creates is genuinely worth a visit if you're based around Castle Douglas. The walk along the eastern bank delivers proper views across the water toward the Galloway Hills, and on a clear day it's the sort of spot that makes you remember why you came to the Lowlands in the first place.

It's a straightforward lakeside walk rather than a destination attraction. You're looking at maybe ninety minutes to loop round without hurrying, longer if you sit about with binoculars - the water attracts wildfowl and the occasional osprey. Families with young kids might find it a bit samey after an hour, but teenagers and keen walkers will appreciate the lack of crowds and the genuine quiet.

The nearest pull-in for car parks isn't always obvious, so allow time to scout it out. Free access, naturally. Spring and autumn are best - summer gets busy with the holiday park crowd, winter can be grey and windswept.

Stays at Loch Ken Holiday Park put you barely two miles away, which is convenient if you want an easy morning walk before doing something more ambitious elsewhere. Galloway Glamping sits three miles out if you prefer the camping vibe. Don't expect facilities or shops at the dam itself - Castle Douglas is your nearest town for anything beyond a flask of tea. It's less a must-do and more a solid half-day filler if the weather holds and you've got time to kill between other park visits.