Midmar Old Church

A fifteen-minute drive west of Banchory takes you to one of Aberdeenshire's quieter ecclesiastical corners. Midmar Old Church stands in splendid isolation, a grey-stone kirk that's been quietly going about its business since the 17th century, with roots reaching back further still. The churchyard is what draws most people - it's genuinely atmospheric, with weathered gravestones tilting at angles that suggest centuries of Scottish winters have done their work.

Inside, the church retains the sort of austere charm that feels properly authentic. No grand restoration, no gift shop nonsense. You're looking at original stonework, decent wooden pews, and the kind of light that filters through small windows in a way that makes you understand why people found this place spiritually significant. It's the sort of spot where you can actually think, which is rarer than it sounds in a tourist-heavy country.

Walkers will appreciate this most. It's not a destination in itself, but as part of a broader wander through rural Aberdeenshire, it's worth the detour. Twenty minutes is plenty to look round properly. The surrounding landscape is proper hill country - rolling farmland with genuine views - so you can combine it with a longer ramble without effort. Families with young children might find the churchyard interesting for fifteen minutes, then get restless.

Free to visit, as far as local information suggests. If you're based at Silverbank Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite nearby, it's an easy morning outing before breakfast becomes an issue.