Scotland's most gorgeous farm shops - with superb walks nearby
This stretch of the Clyde Valley is slightly quieter than the busy hub around Rosebank, with Overton Farm Shop a smashing spot to while away an hour or two.
It has built a stellar reputation for the incredible selection of Scottish-grown fruit and vegetables (in the past I've enjoyed everything from Hawick tomatoes to Ayrshire tatties), as well as yummy jams and chutneys, meats and savoury pastries.
The Oven serves hearty breakfasts, soups and sandwiches, fish and chips, mince and tatties, baked potatoes, lasagne and steak pie – not to forget delectable home baking. There is also the option of a takeaway from The Grill, which has outdoor seating.
There are some brilliant strolls in the surrounding area, be it a gentle meander along a section of the Clyde Walkway or pottering around the trails at Mauldslie Woods or Nethan Gorge.
Barnhill Farm, near Inchinnan, Renfrewshire
This working farm has a shop, cafe and butchery, with a strong focus on sustainability and a field-to-fork ethos.
We're talking bread and cakes, milk, eggs and baskets brimming with seasonal wares. There is a deli counter selling Scottish cheeses. You can also stock up on everything from pies to breakfast packs.
The family-friendly venue has a clutch of attractions aimed at youngsters, including a soft play area on a double-decker bus, outdoor sandpit and pedal go-karts.
There is a farm adventure trail that makes for a lovely amble. Pick up a bag of feed and head off to meet the resident cows, Clydesdale horses, Pygmy goats, Hebridean sheep and Mangalitza pigs – this lively menagerie is also partial to carrots and turnips, available from the shop.
Read more Susan Swarbrick
Tombreck Farm Shop, near Lawers, Perthshire
Situated on the north bank of Loch Tay, Tombreck Farm extends several hundred metres up the side of Ben Lawers, which should give a clue to its rugged topography.
The farm shop – which operates an honesty box system – is part of a community-run project and sells organic vegetables, many grown locally, alongside free-range bacon and pork, lamb and occasionally wild venison.
If climbing Scotland's tenth highest Munro – the mighty Ben Lawers rising to 3,983ft (1,214m) – feels a tall order, there are plenty of picturesque, lower-level paths to explore, such as the Edramucky Trail, a mile (1.75km) loop with an ascent of 360ft (110m).
Another gem is The Kiltyrie Hidden History Trail, a mile-long (1.75km) route providing fascinating insight into the landscapes and the people who have inhabited them over the centuries.
The Buffalo Farm, Boglily Steading, near Kirkcaldy, Fife
In the spring of 2005, Steve Mitchell – a sixth-generation farmer – introduced water buffalo to Clentrie Farm in Fife. Their number has since grown to more than 500-strong, the largest herd of its kind in Scotland.
As the name suggests, these horned, ox-like ruminants remain at its heart, with bespoke meat and dairy products available to buy from the farm shop at Boglily Steading, including ice cream and assorted cheeses, such as buffalo mozzarella and halloumi-style Buffalloumi.
Its dual eateries, The Bothy and The Milk Bar & Grill, provide the opportunity to sample the excellent produce that hails from the farm.
There are great walks in the vicinity, including Beveridge Park in Kirkcaldy, with its formal gardens and pretty boating pond, or the Long Braes Plantation Circular, which winds its way through 3.3 miles (5.3km) of tree-lined paths.
Mannerstons, near Linlithgow, West Lothian
Run by the Faulds family on their smallholding property, Mannerstons is home to a farm shop, bakery, deli and cafe that offers delicious, locally sourced cuisine.
Highlights include top-notch French toast, artisan hot dogs and burgers, macaroni cheese and sandwiches loaded with scrumptious fillings such as bacon, brie and chilli jam or mature cheddar, Stornoway black pudding and red onion.
Then there is the sublime fisherman's platter, which comes with smoked mackerel and beetroot pate, lime mayo prawns and salmon.
Mannerstons is a mere five-minute drive from one of my all-time favourite daunders: the dreamy, coastal-adjacent Wester Shore Wood, located between Blackness and Abercorn.
Susan Swarbrick is a columnist and freelance writer who loves history and the outdoors. Follow her on X @SusanSwarbrick and Bluesky @susanswarbrick.bsky.social
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