The Pods at Ardyle

Eat up the east shore scenery with a climb up Conic Hill (10 minutes’ drive). Of course, Ben Lomond (25 minutes) is a big bucket list climb too; it’s 974 metres tall, after all. On the southern shore of Loch Lomond, things are just as sublime, as you’ll soon see from the 200-acre Balloch Castle & Country Park (25 minutes), packed with waterfront wildlife trails. Away from Loch Lomond, there are more spectacular natural features to take in such as the Devil's Pulpit (20 minutes). The stream passes between two tall cliffs and there’s a stone stairway that will give you a view over the waterfall. City stroll, anyone? Stirling (35 minutes) has many battle locations and Glasgow (55 minutes) has a huge music scene. Even Edinburgh (an hour and 35 minutes) is within reach for those wanting to climb up to Arthur’s Seat or the castle over the city.