Buchanan Parish Church

A modest stone church tucked into the Stirling landscape near Milton of Buchanan, Buchanan Parish Church rewards those who take the small detour off the main roads. The building itself is straightforward - solid Scottish architecture without the grandeur of bigger cathedrals - but that's rather the point. This is a working parish church with real history, the sort of place where locals actually gather rather than tourists queue.

Inside, there's decent carved stonework and a few decent stained glass windows that catch the light properly on clear mornings. The churchyard holds older graves if you're into that sort of thing, and the views across to the surrounding hills make it worth a wander round the back.

It's ideal if you're camping or glamping in the area - and there's decent accommodation nearby at Milarrochy Bay or Arcadia Glamping Cabins, both within a couple of miles. Couple it with a walk around Loch Lomond, which is close by, and you've got a proper half-day outing. Allow twenty minutes inside, longer if you're taking photos or reading every inscription.

Practically, it's free to visit and usually open during daylight hours, though it's worth checking locally in Milton of Buchanan first. It's not a tick-box tourist spot - there's no café, no gift shop, nothing fancy. But that's what makes it genuine. Families with patient kids will manage fine; those after Instagram moments will find it a bit plain.