Glaswegians are lucky to have as many and varied attractions on their doorstep as they do.

Glasgow's immediate surroundings are that of the River Clyde, whose broad valley provides the city with both gritty satellite feeder towns but also spots of genuine rural tranquility. Ironically, a prime one of the latter is now New Lanark, a living-history museum in a former cotton mill. Other family attractions in and around the region include the M&D's amusement park and the Falkirk Wheel, a boat-lift and engineering marvel that connects two canals.

Meanwhile, the green hills and inky waters just north and west of Glasgow – in today's Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park – draw not only families wanting to mess about on the waters of Loch Lomond, but also serious hikers, including those bound for the West Highland Way.