Alexander Simpson Community Park

Alexander Simpson Community Park sits just outside Keith, a proper slice of Aberdeenshire countryside that doesn't announce itself with fanfare. It's a nature reserve where locals actually go rather than somewhere plastered across tourism boards, which frankly makes it all the better.

The park is essentially a woodland and grassland space where you can walk without worrying about crowds. You get proper paths winding through trees, open areas for sitting about, and the kind of quiet that genuinely restores you after a long drive. Bring binoculars if you're into birds - this stretch of the Highlands attracts decent variety depending on the season.

It works brilliantly if you're based at Hillhead Hideaways nearby and want a gentle morning walk before heading elsewhere. An hour here won't exhaust you, but it's long enough to clear your head. The terrain is manageable, so it's fine for families with younger kids, though don't expect playground equipment or facilities - this is about the land itself, not amenities.

Go early if you can. The light through the trees is better, and you'll have the place to yourself. Keith itself is small but has the essentials if you need lunch afterwards. There's no charge to access the park, and honestly, the lack of infrastructure is part of its charm. It's the sort of place you'd only know about if you're actually from round here, which means it stays unspoiled.