Keith North Newmill Boharm & Rothiemay

Three churches for the price of visiting one spot - that's what you're getting in this corner of Aberdeenshire near Keith. The churches at North, Newmill, Boharm and Rothiemay are modest rural buildings, the sort you'll find scattered across the Highlands, but they've got genuine character and a fascinating historical thread running through them.

They're best suited to church history enthusiasts or walkers doing a broader tour of the area rather than casual visitors expecting something dramatic. You won't spend hours here - honestly, twenty minutes to half an hour covers the lot unless you're really into ecclesiastical architecture. The appeal is more in the landscape and the sense of these communities that once centred around these buildings.

North Church and Newmill are the main draws, with Boharm and Rothiemay adding context to how religious life was organised across the glens. Admission appears free, though you'll want to check locally as information's thin on the ground for these smaller places. Early morning or late afternoon works best to avoid crowds - though crowds aren't really a problem here.

If you're staying at Hillhead Hideaways nearby, this fits neatly into a day exploring the quieter parts of Keith and the surrounding countryside. Pair it with a walk along the River Isla or a visit to one of the local distilleries and you've got a proper Aberdeenshire afternoon sorted. Rural churches like these remind you why people settled where they did - the views across the glens are genuinely lovely.