DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY

No need for blood, sweat or tears here, as the smiles break out on the easier edge of the Southern Uplands ’ Galloway Hills.

Tackle this meaty hike summiting three Munros in The Trossachs , including the mighty Ben Lui – arguably the region’s finest.

NEWCASTLE AND MARDU CIRCULAR Level Easy Elevation gain 217m Length 6.1km (1hr 49min) Description This round-the-hill loop trail from Newcastle leads through peaceful rural landscapes and small village

MY old art teacher used to say there are no straight lines in nature. At the same time, one of the French teacher’s pet phrases was, “There are always the exceptions”. And when it comes to straight li

■ Distance: 8½ miles/13.6km ■ Time: 4½ hours ...