Cairn Kinney

The walk up Cairn Kinney is straightforward enough, but don't mistake that for uninteresting. This peak sits above Sanquhar in the Scottish Lowlands, and from the top you get proper sweeping views across Dumfries and Galloway - moorland rolling out in every direction, the sort of landscape that makes you understand why people move here and never leave.

It's not a gruelling climb. Most walkers will manage it in a couple of hours return, which makes it ideal if you're staying at Sunnyside Lodges nearby and want something that doesn't eat up your entire day. The path is well-trodden and obvious underfoot. What catches you out sometimes is the wind at the summit - it can be properly fierce even when the day feels calm lower down, so bring a windproof layer regardless of what the forecast says.

This works well for families with older kids who don't mind a steady plod uphill, and it's the sort of walk that appeals to people who want views without technical difficulty. Photographers should come late afternoon when the light softens the moorland tones. Early morning gets you there ahead of other walkers, though honestly it's never rammed.

There's nothing commercial about Cairn Kinney - no visitor centre, no admission fee, just a hill that rewards you for getting to the top. It's worth the detour from Sanquhar if you're in the area, particularly if you're based at one of the local lodges and after some proper outdoor time without faffing about.