Larkhall Golf Course

An 18-hole public course on the outskirts of Lanark that doesn't try to be anything flashy - it's just a solid, well-maintained Scottish golf ground where you can get a decent game without the pretension or the price tag of some of the fancier layouts nearby. The course winds through rolling Lowland terrain with enough trees and rough to keep you honest, and the greens roll fair enough that you won't feel cheated if you miss a putt.

Golfers of all abilities use it regularly. Hackers won't feel out of place, and proper players will find enough to think about. The real win here is accessibility - it's run through South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture, so the fees stay reasonable and you can ring ahead to book without navigating some snobby club secretary.

You're looking at four to four-and-a-half hours for a full round, depending on pace. Summer mornings are best if you want to avoid the heavier evening traffic. The course plays longer than it looks from the clubhouse, so bring more club than you think you'll need.

If you're based at Ecosse Glamping just up the road - about five miles away - this makes an easy morning before exploring Lanark itself or heading into the broader park system. It won't blow your mind, but it's the kind of place where you'll actually have fun rather than feel like you're ticking a box. Worth a round if golf's your thing.