Beechwood Park

Beechwood Park sits just outside Clackmannan and delivers proper sports facilities without the frills or pretension. We're talking football pitches, tennis courts, and a decent running track - the sort of place where locals actually come to train rather than visit for an afternoon. It's functional rather than fancy, which honestly is refreshing.

If you're after organised sport, this works. Tennis players will find courts that don't embarrass you, footballers get a genuine pitch, and runners have that track sorted. But if you're expecting manicured lawns and a clubhouse café, you'll be disappointed. There's no sitting about with a cappuccino watching others play. This is a working facility.

Walkers and casual visitors might find it a bit dull - you're not here for the views or the experience, you're here because you've got a match to play or a personal best to chase. Give it an hour if you're using the facilities, maybe two if you're doing serious training. Off-season it can feel a touch abandoned.

Stay at Highland Gateway Glamping just three miles away and you've got a solid base for the Clackmannan area. Witches Craig sits five miles out if you prefer traditional caravan pitches. Either gives you somewhere to crash after using Beechwood's facilities, though neither park will have you spoilt for evening entertainment. This is Scottish Lowlands proper - proper being the operative word.