River Clyde

The Clyde isn't actually a lake - it's a proper river that winds through South Lanarkshire with far more character than you'd expect from a Scottish waterway that sounds industrial. Around Lanark, it's genuinely lovely, carving through woodland with enough drama to make you forget you're in the Lowlands rather than the Highlands.

Walkers will find the river corridor straightforward and rewarding. The water moves well here, and there are decent paths along stretches where you can follow it for a mile or two without much fuss. Bring the family and they won't complain - kids enjoy spotting birds, and the banks are safe enough provided you keep them close. You're looking at two to three hours if you want a proper walk, though you can easily do half an hour and call it done.

There's no admission charge, obviously. It's a river. Go whenever you fancy, though spring water levels make it more dramatic and worth the visit than summer when it's lower. If Ecosse Glamping is your base - a cracking spot 2.2 miles away - you're ideally placed for morning walks along the Clyde before the day gets going.

Honestly, it's worth the detour if you're already in the area, but don't make a special journey. The real appeal is combining it with Lanark itself and using the river as a reason to stretch your legs between other things. Brings the whole holiday together nicely.