There are a couple of shops in Cardross, as well as an 18 hole golf course that welcomes visitors. Walkers will enjoy the Stoneymollen Trail leading from Cardross over to Balloch at the base of Loch Lomond. It is about 12.5 miles in total with some beautiful views of Loch Lomond to admire along the way.

There is a supermarket on the outskirts of Helensburgh (3 miles) for stocking up on supplies. Helensburgh itself is a very picturesque town with some interesting architecture; including Rennie Mackintosh’s famous Hill House that dates all the way back to 1903. For a bit of a different cinema experience, try out the boutique screening room at The Tower Digital Arts Centre where you can enjoy a film from big comfy seats with a cuppa or even a glass of wine.

There is a sand and shingle beach at Helensburgh where the long pier is great to wander along to take in the wonderful sea air. It is also part of the official Argyll Sea Kayak Trail that heads out across the water to Dunoon with the Captayannis ship wreck to look at en route. This fascinating wreck, known as the ‘sugar boat’ due to its ill-fated cargo, lies in relatively shallow waters and can even be seen from the shore.

Drumhead is a good base for touring and exploring with the train station in Helensburgh giving easy access to Glasgow, Fort William and Oban for day trips.

At nearby Rhu are the Glenarn Gardens that have been open to the public since 1939 with winding paths that lead around its 10 acres and a fine collection of rhododendrons that bring a riot of colour in season. Permits are available for fishing on one of Helensburgh’s reservoirs or up at Garelochhead (11 miles) where the cheeky seals may well try to steal some of your catch!

At Loch Lomond’s National Park, only 20 minutes’ drive away, wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy visiting the Sea Life Sanctuary with its range of over 1,500 sea creatures including sharks, turtles, rays and even otters. At the nearby Bird of Prey centre some fascinating birds can be seen right up close. The national park has a wide range of other activities on offer including walking, hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing and watersports.