Gigha Golf Club

The eighteen holes of Gigha Golf Club are on the Isle of Gigha itself, a proper away-day of a round if you're staying nearby in Tarbert or beyond. You'll need the CalMac ferry to get there - that's part of the charm, frankly. The course sits on what used to be estate ground, nothing flashy or championship-standard, but it's a genuine links experience without the intimidating scorecard that comes with most Scottish layouts.

It's the kind of place where weekend golfers and locals get equal treatment, and the walk between holes rewards you with views across to Jura and Kintyre. Nine holes done, you can sit in the clubhouse and actually see where you've been. Allow three hours for a comfortable round, or two-and-a-half if you know what you're doing.

Membership exists, but day rates are reasonable and you don't need booking in advance for most days - ring ahead anyway, common sense. Muasdale Holiday Park, six miles back on the mainland near Tarbert, makes a sensible base; you can do Gigha as a proper excursion, take the ferry over in the morning, play your round, and have a wander round the island afterwards. It's not trying to be anything other than what it is - accessible, unpretentious golf in a proper Scottish setting. Worth the ferry fare if golf's your thing.