Kilbirnie Place Golf Club

Getting a round in at Kilbirnie Place means heading to the edges of Lochwinnoch, where this proper Scottish golf course sits waiting for a decent swing. It's an 18-hole layout that takes you through some proper Renfrewshire countryside - rolling fairways, the kind of course that doesn't overpower you with difficulty but makes you work for your score. You'll see what the Scottish Lowlands do best here: green, slightly windswept, and utterly unfussy about things.

This one's for golfers first and foremost. Serious types, beginners who fancy a crack at a proper course, and anyone wanting a few hours away from the holiday park chaos. The terrain's manageable without being dull, and you won't feel like you're trudging cross-country by the back nine. If you're staying at The Pods at Auchenhean - which is only a few miles down the road - it's a natural pairing. Close enough for a morning round without faffing about on the road.

You'll need to be a member or arrange a guest round beforehand, so don't just rock up expecting to play. Check their website for current fees and availability. Allow a solid four hours for 18 holes, maybe a bit longer if your handicap's creeping up. Best visited when the weather's on your side - Scottish wind can make an easy hole properly testing.

Not for non-golfers, obviously, but if you're the type who can't go a week without fairways, this fits nicely into a Lochwinnoch stay.