Knapping Knowes Wood

The woodland trails at Knapping Knowes Wood near Dalbeattie offer a proper escape into Scottish Lowland forest without the crowds you'd fight through elsewhere. It's a mix of native broadleaves and conifers, the sort of place where you can actually hear yourself think. The paths wind through decent woodland - nothing dramatic, but solidly pleasant walking territory with enough cover to make it worthwhile even if the weather turns damp, which it will.

This suits families after a couple of hours of easy rambling far more than serious hikers after a full day's challenge. Kids won't find it thrilling, but it's the sort of woodland where you can let them loose without panic. The forest floor is soft underfoot and the trails are clear enough that you won't spend half your time consulting a map.

Worth combining with Parkdean Resorts Southerness Holiday Park down in Dumfries if you're basing yourself in the area - that's only a short drive away, and mixing a morning woodland walk with an afternoon at the park facilities gives you proper variety. Access and admission details aren't widely publicised, which is typical for Scottish forests, so ring ahead or rock up early in the day to be safe.

Go on a dry day if you can manage it. The woodland's fine, but tramping through mud for two hours loses its charm quickly. Allow ninety minutes to two hours depending on which loop you take. It's not going to change your life, but it's a solid addition to a Dumfries and Galloway break.