Gleddoch Golf and Spa Resort

The rolling fairways at Gleddoch stretch across 200 acres of proper Scottish countryside, just inland from Balloch. It's an 18-hole championship course that takes itself seriously - manicured greens, water hazards that bite, and views across the Lowlands that distract you at exactly the wrong moment on the back nine.

Golfers are the obvious draw here, obviously. But the on-site spa means non-golfing partners needn't spend four hours staring at their phone in the car park. The resort has a clubhouse restaurant too, so you can make an afternoon of it without treating it like a work trip.

If you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks - Lomond Woods or Loch Lomond Retreat are both cracking spots within easy reach - this works as a brilliant day out for the keen golfer in your group. Green fees and tee times are best checked on their website, as they shift with the seasons. Allow a full day if you're playing the full course, including lunch.

Walkers won't find much here unless they're with a golfer. The grounds aren't open to the public for a casual stroll - it's very much a members and paying guests setup. If you're after outdoor time around Balloch, the loch itself and the surrounding parks offer more casual access. But if someone in your party plays seriously, Gleddoch delivers what it promises without pretension.