Crae Hill

The walk up Crae Hill rewards you with proper views across the rolling Dumfries and Galloway countryside - on a clear day you can see right across to the Solway Firth. It's not a massive ascent, which makes it ideal if you're staying at one of the caravan parks near Castle Douglas and fancy getting out of the van without committing to a full day's hiking.

The path itself is straightforward enough, though it can get boggy underfoot after rain. The summit's modest in height but the 360-degree panorama makes the climb worth it. You'll spot the moorland rolling away in all directions, and on good visibility days the view extends far beyond what you'd expect from a peak this size. Allow a couple of hours there and back, depending on fitness.

It's the sort of spot that works brilliantly if you're basing yourself at Galloway Glamping or Kippford View Holiday Park - close enough for a half-day outing without the drive. Families with kids who can manage a steadyish walk will get something out of it, though older teenagers might find it a bit tame. Keen walkers will appreciate it as a warm-up or a standalone jaunt rather than a proper challenge.

There's no visitor infrastructure up there - no cafe, no toilets - so bring what you need. The nearest facilities are in Castle Douglas itself. Best visited in clearer weather when the views justify the effort. In thick cloud or drizzle, you're basically walking up a hill to see nothing.