Shiskine Golf Club

The moment you step onto Shiskine's opening holes, you realise this nine-hole course on the Isle of Arran is something rather special. It's compact but properly challenging - the kind of layout that makes you think harder than a full eighteen would, which suits a day trip perfectly.

What you're dealing with here is a course that plays tricks on you. The greens are deceptively small, the rough will punish a wayward shot, and the Scottish weather will test your nerve. Walkers won't get much from it, but golfers - whether you're a member at some fancy club down south or just keen to hit balls on a proper course - will find themselves coming back for another round. It's genuinely playable for all abilities, though mid-to-high handicappers might rack up the score faster than they'd like.

Allow about three hours for the full nine holes, longer if you're not playing quickly. The admission cost isn't spelled out on their site, so ring ahead before you visit. Best time is May through September when the light lasts til late and the Ayrshire weather isn't trying to blow you sideways.

If you're staying at Kings Caves Glamping just down the road - and frankly it's an excellent spot - you can knock this in as a morning activity, then spend the afternoon exploring Arran's coastline or hiking. The course sits well within a broader island itinerary rather than as a standalone draw.