Keith

The Oor Wullie Statue stands proudly in the town square, a testament to Keith's role as the birthplace of this beloved Scottish comic character. This unassuming Moray market town sits at the crossroads of several river valleys, surrounded by rolling hills that offer proper walking country for those willing to venture beyond the high street.

Keith itself feels like a place that time hasn't quite forgotten, but hasn't rushed to catch up either. The Old Mill tells stories of the town's industrial past, while Gordon Chapel provides a quieter moment of reflection. What strikes you most is how the landscape opens up once you leave the town centre - hills like Whiteash Hill and Millstone Hill rise gently from the surrounding farmland, perfect for an afternoon's ramble.

Venturing further afield, Fochabers Folk Museum and Heritage Centre makes for an interesting detour, particularly on a rainy day when the hills lose their appeal. The museum does a cracking job of preserving local heritage without the stuffiness you sometimes get in these places. Bellie Kirk, meanwhile, sits in countryside that feels properly remote despite being just a short drive away.

Getting here is straightforward enough - Keith sits on the main A96 between Aberdeen and Inverness, making it accessible by car or bus. The nearest railway station is actually in Keith itself, though services can be a bit sporadic.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense if you're planning to explore this corner of Moray. You're within easy reach of both the Speyside whisky trail and the Moray coast, while the surrounding peaks like Hill of Greenwood and Garral Hill offer walking routes that won't break the bank or your ankles. It's proper countryside without the tourist crowds.