Lanark

Rolling hills surround this South Lanarkshire town like green sentries, with peaks such as Greer Hill and Law Hill offering proper walking territory for anyone wanting to stretch their legs. Lanark sits in countryside that feels genuinely Scottish - none of that manicured Heritage Trail nonsense you get elsewhere.

The town itself has a workmanlike quality that's refreshing after all those tourist traps further north. You'll find several churches dotted about, including St Marys and the rather intriguingly named Church at the cross, plus Operation Peregrine provides a bit of local history worth investigating. Mill Weir Viewpoint gives you decent vantage points over the surrounding farmland without requiring a major expedition.

Getting here couldn't be easier. Both Carluke and Larkhall stations put you within striking distance, and the train connections are reliable enough that you won't be stranded. The surrounding hills - Blackhill, Sodom Hill, and Drummonds Hill among them - make for excellent day walks, though some are a proper slog if you're not used to Scottish terrain.

Staying at Ecosse Glamping nearby makes perfect sense if you want to explore this corner of South Lanarkshire properly. You get the countryside on your doorstep without the expense of city accommodation, and there's something to be said for waking up to those hill views rather than another Premier Inn car park. The area rewards slow exploration rather than tick-box tourism, which suits the glamping pace perfectly.