Keith

Railway tracks run straight through the heart of this working town, where the Speyside line connects whisky country to the coast. Keith sits at a proper crossroads - not just of rail lines, but of landscapes that shift from fertile farmland to serious hill country within minutes of leaving the high street.

The town itself won't win beauty contests. But that's missing the point entirely. Keith is your gateway to some of Scotland's finest walking country, with Ben Rinnes dominating the southern horizon and a whole cluster of peaks - Little Conval, Ben Aigan, Blue Hill - forming a hiker's playground that most tourists never discover.

Dufftown station puts you right in whisky heartland, while the hills offer proper challenges for anyone wanting to stretch their legs. Ben Rinnes is the big draw - a decent climb that rewards with views across half of Scotland on a clear day. Knock of Buchromb and Meikle Conval provide gentler alternatives if you're not feeling quite so ambitious.

Getting here couldn't be simpler. The A96 runs right past, and trains from Aberdeen take about an hour. It's that accessible positioning that makes Keith work so well as a base - you can be deep in hill country or exploring Speyside's distilleries with equal ease.

Staying at one of the holiday parks nearby gives you the best of both worlds. You're close enough to nip into town for supplies, but far enough out to wake up to proper countryside views. Plus, after a day tramping up Ben Rinnes or exploring the whisky trail around Dufftown, there's something to be said for having your own space to unwind rather than hunting for accommodation in busier spots like Aviemore.