Todholes Plantation

A sprawling conifer forest that does exactly what it says on the tin - and nothing more. Todholes Plantation sits inland from Sanquhar, a proper working forest rather than some manicured country estate. The main draw is a network of forestry tracks winding through Douglas fir and spruce, the kind of place where you can actually walk without feeling herded onto a marked trail.

It's best for anyone wanting a straightforward forest ramble without the crowds or the fancy visitor centre. Families with young kids might find it a bit dull after twenty minutes - there's no playground, no tearoom, no attractions within the trees themselves. But serious walkers and anyone after a decent leg-stretch will appreciate the lack of fuss. The tracks are well-maintained and you won't lose your way, which counts for something in Scottish forests.

Give yourself an hour to two hours depending on how far you fancy going. There's a car park at the entrance and it's free to wander about. Bring a decent waterproof - these lowland forests can be boggy underfoot, even when the sky looks dry. Winter's when it's bleakest, spring and autumn far more pleasant.

If you're based at Sunnyside Lodges nearby, this makes an easy morning out between longer days exploring Dumfries and Galloway's bigger attractions. It's the sort of place that fills a gap in your itinerary rather than the main event.