Hirsel Golf Club

Just outside Coldstream, this 18-hole course sits on proper rolling terrain with views across the Borders that'll stop you mid-swing. It's a members' club primarily, but day visitors can often get a round if you ring ahead - worth checking their availability before making the trip.

The layout's straightforward rather than tricky, which means you won't spend half the afternoon hunting for lost balls in the rough. Greens are well-maintained and the fairways give you a fair test without being unnecessarily punishing. This isn't a championship course trying to humiliate you - it's the kind of place locals actually enjoy playing week in, week out.

If you're staying at Coldstream Holiday Park, it's barely a walk away, making it ideal for golfers who want an evening round without driving far. Non-golfers in your group won't find much here though - there's no clubhouse café or anything beyond the course itself, so factor that in.

Allow three to four hours for a full round. The best time is spring through autumn when the weather cooperates and the course isn't waterlogged. Summer weekday mornings tend to be quieter if you can manage it.

It's a solid addition to a Borders break if you golf, but don't go out of your way otherwise. The real appeal is the convenience and the straightforward Scottish golfing experience rather than any spectacular drama.