Alexandria

The train from Glasgow pulls into this modest Clyde-side town after a journey that feels worlds away from the city bustle. Alexandria sits at the southern tip of Loch Lomond, where Scotland's largest freshwater loch meets the River Leven - a proper gateway to the Trossachs without the tourist crowds of Balloch.

It's a working town that doesn't pretend to be anything else. The high street has seen better days, but there's something honest about Alexandria that the polished tourist spots lack. Geilston House provides a touch of grandeur, while the surrounding countryside offers proper walking territory. Black Hill and Ben Bouie are both within striking distance for anyone wanting to stretch their legs.

The real draw here is location. You're minutes from the southern shores of Loch Lomond but far enough from the main tourist drag to find some peace. Cardross station links you to Glasgow in under an hour, making this a sensible base for day trips to the city or deeper into the Highlands.

What Alexandria lacks in obvious attractions, it makes up for in accessibility. The Clyde Boating Tragedy Memorial serves as a sobering reminder of the area's maritime heritage, while the surrounding peaks - Gouk Hill included - offer cracking views without the crowds you'll find further north.

Staying at one of the holiday parks nearby gives you the best of both worlds. Loch Lomond Retreat has earned proper praise from guests, and several glamping options dot the area if you fancy something different. The countryside here is gentle rather than dramatic - rolling hills, decent walking, and that wonderful sense of being properly in Scotland without having driven for hours to get there.