John Muir Way Campsite

Hardcore hikers and cyclists may well find this a handy stopover for journeys on the 134-mile coast to coast John Muir Way or the 96-mile West Highland Way. Those with a taste for day walks or mountain scrambles may instead like to aim for the various trails of the Trossachs National Park (15 minutes’ drive) or just wander out onto the Campsie Fells, by the site. Fishing is on site for those who’ve brought kit along, and there are at least 10 golf courses within a 20-minute drive (that’ll keep club-wielders busy for a while…). Those who like a bit of lake-based activity can drive to Loch Lomond in 25 minutes or so for kayak hire, seaplane flights and boat cruises (or a wander around the aquarium in Balloch if the weather’s not up to much). If you’ve brought the tiddlers along (or even if you haven’t), a flying demo at Strathblane Falconry (five minutes’ drive) is a splendid idea. Strictly not for the small sorts but something of a must for the grownups is a tour of Glengoyne Distillery (five minutes’ drive or just under an hour’s walk if you’d like to take full advantage of the whisky tastings).