Bonar Bridge, Ardgay Golf Club

The golf course at Bonar Bridge sits right on the edge of Ardgay, a small Highland settlement that most people only pass through on the A9. But if you've got a set of clubs and a few hours to spare, it's genuinely worth stopping.

This is a proper old-school Scottish course - eighteen holes laid out across terrain that takes full advantage of the local landscape. You're playing alongside the River Shin here, which adds both beauty and a fair bit of challenge depending on which direction the wind's coming from. The greens are well-maintained and the whole setup feels pleasantly unpretentious. No sense of stuffy exclusivity; the club welcomes visitors straightforwardly.

You'll want to book ahead - ring them directly to arrange a round. Green fees are reasonable by Highland standards, and a full round takes the usual four hours or so. The course plays to about 6,000 yards, so it's not brutally long, but the Scottish rough and exposed holes mean you'll earn your score.

For non-golfers, it's not worth the detour on its own, but if you're staying at Ardgay Glamping just down the road, and one of your party fancies a game, this works perfectly. The location lets you combine it with wider Highland exploration - Loch Shin is nearby, and there's genuine walking country all around. Best visited in summer when daylight stretches late and the weather's most cooperative.