Princess Royal Park

The path through Princess Royal Park winds along riverbank and through mixed woodland in a way that feels properly remote, despite being barely a mile from Keith. It's a nature reserve rather than the manicured sort of park you'd find down south - think fallen logs, wild margins, and actual birdlife rather than flowerbeds.

What you're really here for is the Spey itself. The river is Scotland's second longest, and watching it flow through here gives you a genuine sense of scale. Walkers will appreciate the paths without too much faffing about - they're straightforward enough for families with younger children, though the terrain can get boggy depending on the season. Birdwatchers should bring proper binoculars; this stretch is good for spotting osprey and goosanders, especially if you time it right in spring and early summer.

There's no visitor centre or cafe, which some might find annoying, but it also means you've got the place relatively quiet. Allow an hour for a decent walk without rushing. Free admission, naturally.

If you're staying at Hillside Havens - the holiday park just up the road - this makes an excellent morning stroll before heading elsewhere in the Highlands. It's the sort of place that won't blow your mind if you're after dramatic scenery, but it's genuinely good for stretching your legs and remembering why you came north in the first place.