Knockenshag

The walk up Knockenshag takes you through proper moorland, the kind that feels properly wild despite being only a few miles from Sanquhar. It's not a monster of a hill - around 1,800 feet - but the approach across open ground means you feel more exposed than the height suggests. On a clear day, the views sweep across to the Southern Uplands, and if you're lucky with the weather, you can see as far as the Solway Firth.

What makes it worthwhile is how empty it stays. You won't be fighting crowds for photos here. The path is straightforward enough if you've got decent boots and don't mind a bit of boggy ground. Allow a couple of hours for a round trip from the nearest parking, depending on your pace and how long you linger at the top.

This works well as part of a wider Lowlands walking holiday. If you're staying at nearby Sunnyside Lodges, you could pair it with other walks in the area without straying too far from your base. It's the sort of hill that appeals to walkers who want some genuine solitude without needing to trek for hours - no scrambling, no technical bits, just open air and views. Families with older children who are comfortable on moorland will manage it fine. Younger kids might find the approach a bit dull unless they're keen types.