Lochmaben Golf Club

The course sits on proper rolling terrain just outside Dumfries, and you'll know straightaway why golfers keep coming back. Eighteen holes wind through parkland that feels properly maintained without being fussily manicured. The layout rewards decent shots but won't humiliate a higher handicapper completely - there's enough room off the tee on most holes to recover from wayward drives.

Obviously this is for golfers first and foremost. Serious players will appreciate the challenge; casual hackers and families introducing kids to the game will find it forgiving enough to actually enjoy themselves rather than spend four hours retrieving balls from rough. The club has that Scottish golf club feel without the intimidating stuffiness of some private courses.

You'll need to sort membership or green fees ahead of time - it's a private club, so rock up on the off chance and you'll be turned away. Check the website for current rates and whether you can play as a visitor. Allow a full morning or afternoon; most people are done by early afternoon if they're not lingering over lunch at the clubhouse.

If you're staying at Halleaths Caravan Park just down the road, you're barely ten minutes away. It's worth combining with a wider Dumfries exploration rather than a dedicated golf trip - the town has decent restaurants and the Solway coast is close enough for an evening drive. Hemplands Farm is another solid base a bit further out if you want something quieter.