Poundland Hill

The summit of Poundland Hill sits at just 370 metres, which sounds modest until you're standing on top looking south across the rolling moorland of Dumfries and Galloway. It's a proper wee hill - the kind that rewards a short, straightforward walk without demanding mountaineering gear or a full day's commitment.

The climb from Thornhill takes around 45 minutes if you're not rushing. What you get for your effort is a surprisingly wide vista across the Southern Uplands, with the Lowther Hills visible on a clear day. The summit itself is unremarkable - a trig point and the usual hill-top emptiness - but that's partly the appeal. You won't find crowds here.

Families with older kids will manage it fine, though it's a bit steep in places and there's no obvious marked path in parts, so proper boots are sensible. Walkers heading through the area should slot it in as a morning's work before lunch in Thornhill. History types won't find much except the views themselves.

Staying nearby at Penpont Holiday Park (just 1.4 miles away) makes this an easy option for a morning sortie. The Outdoor Hotel and Red Squirrel Campsite are also within reasonable distance if you're basing yourself in the area for a few days. Access appears to be free - it's open moorland - though you'll want to check local conditions and respect any seasonal restrictions. Go in decent weather. In mist it's pointless.