Clump of trees

A stand of trees on the outskirts of Dumfries that serves as a proper woodland walk rather than a dramatic destination. The Clump, as locals call it, offers a straightforward ramble through mixed woodland with decent views across the Solway Plain if you pick the right vantage points. Nothing fancy, but it's the sort of place that breaks up a caravan holiday without demanding much effort.

You'll get the most value here if you're based at one of the nearby sites - Caerlaverock Castle Corner or Criffel View are within spitting distance - and want a quick leg-stretch before heading to something grander like Caerlaverock Castle itself. The walk takes about 45 minutes depending on your pace and which routes you fancy. Kids won't be bored if they're into climbing trees and spotting birds, though it's not thrilling enough to hold their attention for hours.

There's no visitor centre or facilities that I'm aware of, so bring a packed lunch and come prepared for muddy paths. The best time is autumn or early spring when the light cuts through the trees properly and the ground isn't waterlogged. Summer can feel a bit close under the canopy. Being barely a mile from Dumfries means you can combine this with the town's shops and restaurants without any real hassle. It's free to access and never gets rammed, which is reason enough to visit if you value a quiet woodland wander.