Nigg Old Parish Church

Tracking down Nigg Old Parish Church takes you well off the beaten path near Inverness, and that's precisely why it's worth the effort. This 17th-century kirk sits in isolation on the Black Isle peninsula, a location that feels deliberately removed from the modern world. The church itself is modest - whitewashed walls, a simple bell tower, and the kind of weathered stonework that speaks to genuine age rather than heritage polish.

What draws you here is the atmosphere more than any single feature. The churchyard holds centuries of graves, and inside you'll find period furnishings that haven't been dramatically 'restored' into sterility. It's the real thing, which some folk find moving and others find a bit austere. History enthusiasts will appreciate the 1671 date and the connections to the local Munro family.

Realistic about it - you won't spend more than 45 minutes here unless you're genuinely absorbed in genealogy or ecclesiastical architecture. The opening season runs April through October, 10am to 5pm. Admission is free, which feels right for what it is. The surrounding countryside offers decent walks if you fancy stretching your legs after.

Stay at Delny Glamping just 4.4 miles away and you've got a proper base for exploring this quieter corner of the Highlands. It's not a destination that'll keep everyone entertained, but for those drawn to old kirks and local history, the isolation is part of the appeal.