Coull Kirk

You'll find this modest kirk sitting quietly in the countryside near Aboyne, a proper little slice of Scottish ecclesiastical history that doesn't shout about itself. Coull Kirk is a stone church with real roots - we're talking medieval foundations here, though what stands today is largely 17th and 18th century work. The interior is simple and uncluttered, which is exactly what makes it rather special. No tourist crowds, no gift shop, just a functioning church that's been serving its community for centuries.

It's the kind of place that appeals most to history buffs and walkers exploring the Deeside area. If you're after dramatic architecture or soaring vaults, you'll be disappointed - this is intimate and understated. The churchyard itself is worth a wander, with older gravestones tucked among the trees. Allow 30 minutes to an hour here, depending on whether you stop to read the stones.

The kirk sits well within reach of several good caravan parks in the area. Aboyne Loch Caravan Park is just 2.4 miles away and highly rated, while Tarland Camping & Caravanning Club Site offers another solid option nearby. If you're basing yourself at Firbank Park, slightly further out, Coull Kirk makes for a pleasant leg-stretch during a wider exploration of the Highlands.

Access appears free and unrestricted, though you'll want to check locally in Aboyne beforehand - opening times aren't widely advertised. Best visited on a clear day when the light filtering through the old windows actually means something.