Former Craigellachie Station

The old railway station at Craigellachie has been left to the elements, and that's rather the point. What was once a Victorian stopping point on the Strathspey line is now a nature reserve where the platforms are slowly being reclaimed by wildflowers and the signal box stands as a relic of a bygone era. You're essentially walking through a time capsule where nature does the housekeeping.

It's a cracking spot for anyone who likes a bit of industrial history mixed with genuine woodland walks. The reserve itself is compact - you won't spend hours here - but it's the kind of place that rewards a slow potter. Birdwatchers come for the woodland species, walkers appreciate the easy access from Keith, and history buffs will find the decaying station building oddly moving rather than depressing.

The whole experience is free, which is just as well given how modest the facilities are. Allow 45 minutes to an hour to have a proper look around without feeling rushed. The best time to visit is spring or early summer when the wildflowers are doing their thing and the birds are vocal.

If you're staying at Hillside Havens just down the road, this makes a logical half-morning detour before heading elsewhere in Aberdeenshire. It's not going to dominate your holiday plans, but it's exactly the sort of unexpected stop that makes a break in the Highlands feel genuinely yours rather than just following the tourist trail.