Cochrane Castle Golf Club

Cochrane Castle sits just outside Lochwinnoch in Renfrewshire, a proper 18-hole course that takes itself seriously without being snobbish about it. The layout winds through woodland and open fairways - nothing dramatically fancy, but well-maintained and fair. You're looking at a straightforward round here rather than something championship-grade, which suits most club golfers down to the ground.

It's mainly for golfers, obviously. If you're decent with a club and looking to play a solid course while staying in the area, this works well. Non-golfers won't find much to do, so it's not a family attraction unless everyone in the party swings. The course plays to a reasonable length, nothing that'll punish you for being mid-handicap.

You'll need to ring ahead or check their website for green fees and booking requirements - it's a members' club primarily, but visitors do get on. Allow three to four hours for a round, more if you're drawn a fourball ahead.

Lochwinnoch is a small village with decent walking nearby if you're basing yourself here for a few days. The Pods at Auchenhean, just six miles away, gives you comfortable overnight accommodation if you're planning a golfing break. It's the sort of place you'd slot into a wider trip rather than a destination on its own - perfectly playable, but you wouldn't travel hours specifically for it. Ring first, confirm they take visitors, and you'll have a decent day out on the course.