Bearsden Golf Club

The clubhouse sits on a proper hillside just outside Glasgow, looking out over the Scottish Lowlands with Stirling visible in the distance on a clear day. Bearsden Golf Club is an 18-hole course that's been going since 1896, so there's real pedigree here - though it doesn't feel stuffy about it.

It's a members' club primarily, but visiting golfers can play if you've got a handicap certificate and book ahead. The course itself is challenging without being ridiculous. You're looking at around four hours for a full round, give or take. The terrain means you'll walk some decent hills, so it's not a stroll.

This is squarely for serious golfers. If you're after a casual knock-about or you've never swung a club in your life, you'll find better options nearby. The real appeal here is the course design - it flows well and makes you think about each shot rather than just bash and hope.

Cost and exact opening times are best confirmed directly with the club, as visitor rates vary. Staying at The WHW Hotel & Campsite nearby gives you a proper base for a golf break without being glued to the course. You're also close enough to explore Stirling and the wider Lowlands when you need a break from golf.

One word of warning: Scottish weather can turn on a sixpence, so pack waterproofs even on a decent-looking morning.