Castle Douglas

Forget the touristy Highlands - this corner of Dumfries and Galloway delivers proper Scottish countryside without the crowds. Castle Douglas sits pretty beside Carlingwark Loch, a market town that's kept its character while the rest of Scotland gets overrun with tour buses.

The town itself centres around its wide main street, lined with independent shops that actually stay open past teatime. Castle Douglas Art Gallery showcases local talent, though it's the surrounding landscape that really impresses. Head up Doon Hill for cracking views across the valley, or tackle Corse Hill if you fancy a longer walk.

Loch Ken stretches north of town like a ribbon of silver. It's brilliant for kayaking and fishing, though the water's properly cold even in summer. The ancient earthwork sites scattered around the hills hint at centuries of settlement - this area's been drawing people for millennia.

Gelston Castle ruins make for an interesting detour, though don't expect grand towers. What you get instead is atmosphere and stories, plus more of those sweeping views across Galloway's gentle hills.

Getting here's straightforward enough. Castle Douglas sits on the A75, about an hour from Dumfries and two from Glasgow. The nearest rail station is actually in Dumfries, so you'll need wheels to explore properly.

Staying at one of the holiday parks dotted around Loch Ken or near the coast makes perfect sense. You're close enough to pop into town for supplies, but far enough out to wake up to birdsong rather than traffic. Loch Ken Holiday Park puts you right on the water's edge, while the coastal options near Kippford give you sea air and sunset views.