DRIVING up a remote farm track, we were taken aback to see a bright white futuristic dome sparkling in the Scottish sun. Its modernity certainly stood out in the Renfrewshire countryside. We’d just arrived at the Wanderlist’s quirky Mid Auchengowan dome, a luxury glamping experience ideal for families seeking something a little different.
Our children were desperate to rush inside the dome, curious to uncover what lay within. We discovered contemporary modern interiors in an open-plan layout. The children’s “room” was discreetly partitioned off from the “master bedroom” giving youngsters a sense of their own space. When my boys spotted toys and board games on the shelves they were even more impressed.
Admittedly, the grown-ups get the best deal, waking up to sweeping views over the fields and down to Castle Semple Loch. Relaxed seating areas and giant beanbags allow guests to make the most of the views, whatever the weather.
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A well-furnished kitchen allowed us to make mince and tatties for the kids’ tea. There’s ample space inside to eat at the dining table but we ventured to the outdoor picnic table to feast in the evening rays.
On the second evening we barbecued sausages and burgers before getting the firepit going for a little marshmallow-toasting as the sun set over the loch. It must be said that Mid Auchengowan offers a notably good sunset, romantic even with little rascals in tow!
The dome feels wonderfully secluded, like a tucked-away secret only you know about. In reality, situated only 20 miles from Glasgow, an hour-and-a-half’s drive from both Perth and Edinburgh, and three hours from Aberdeen, it’s remarkably accessible. Plus there’s so much to do in the vicinity.
We initially opted to stay local, bringing our bikes to explore the excellent cycling trails linking Castle Semple Loch with a host of towns and villages. The loch itself is a beautiful destination where folk of all ages buy an ice cream, take a stroll along the water’s edge, and admire a multitude of swans and ducks.
The flat lochside paths make it ideal for buggies and wheelchairs too. A mix of watersports is available, so we watched kids paddle-boarding and kayaking before we hit the saddle.
Our cycle took us through lush, green countryside, past the Collegiate Church and the Kenmure Hill Temple before arriving at the picturesque village of Kilbarchan. Thankfully, the bike trails are flat, smooth and well signposted.
To reward the kids’ efforts we grabbed brunch at a small local tearoom called Bobbins, before taking a look at the National Trust for Scotland’s Weaver’s Cottage (it’s only open two days a month so check opening hours before heading off).
For visitors wishing to go slightly further afield the choices are extensive, which makes the dome a really tempting base. Loch Lomond is up the road, it’s perfectly feasible to head to Largs for a day trip to Cumbrae or to drive to Wemyss Bay to spend time on Bute.
The beautiful Dumfries House with its elegant estate is just over 30 miles away, and Culzean Castle with its epic playgrounds and stunning walled garden is an hour’s distance.
Since the sun was splitting the sky we decided to hit the beach, driving to Ayr esplanade where more ice cream was consumed. It was a good opportunity to brush up on our Burns knowledge, especially as most kids love the story of Tam o’ Shanter.
The children peered through the window of Alloway’s Old Kirk, just as Tam had done that fateful night, before we walked across the bridge where Tam and his horse Maggie were chased by Nannie and her coven.
The Burns Monument and well-maintained gardens were blooming in the afternoon sun. My lads got hands-on in the modern Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, playing “Cut the Haggis” and making up their own spooky online Tam o’ Shanter ghost story.
We followed the Poet’s Path, spotting multiple sculptures, before visiting Burns Cottage where the wordsmith was born. After all the exploring, a chilled glass of vino back at the dome beckoned before another night sleeping under the stars.
thewanderlist.uk/properties/mid-auchengowan-dome
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