Munch-skin Canal

The canal itself is the draw here - a proper waterway that cuts through South Lanarkshire with a certain understated charm. Munch-skin Canal isn't the sort of place that announces itself loudly; you won't find gift shops or visitor centres, just water, towpaths, and the quiet satisfaction of following a route that's been here for centuries.

Walking the towpath is what most people do, and it's straightforward stuff. The canal runs through accessible countryside near Lanark, making it ideal for families who want a gentle walk without climbing hills or navigating technical terrain. Kids tend to like spotting ducks and the occasional narrowboat, and the flat ground means you're not fighting gravity. Allow an hour or two depending on which stretch you tackle - you can dip in for a short stroll or commit to a longer ramble.

It's free to access, which is one of its genuine strengths. There's something rather appealing about that in Scotland - no tickets, no barriers, just turn up and go. The best time is spring or early summer when the banks green up properly, though autumn has its own appeal if you don't mind the weather turning.

If you're based at Ecosse Glamping nearby, the canal makes for an easy morning outing before heading somewhere else. It won't consume your whole day, but it rounds out a park holiday nicely - the sort of gentle activity that stops you feeling you've done nothing but sit about. Walkers will appreciate the straightforward route; history types less so, as there's not much interpretation on site.