Rich in heritage and history, Keith – The first ‘Scots Toun‘ is the eastern gateway to Moray Speyside.
Keith is the fifth-largest community in Moray and the historic Mid Street (main street) is full of independent businesses, cafes, pubs and shops, such as Mither Tongue. You can pick up unique Scottish gifts inspired by the Scots language and the works of Robbie Burns in Mither Tongue.
Step back in time and visit Keith – Explore the charm and character of its historic stone buildings and structures like the Auld Brig over the River Isla. Stop and play in the parks and green spaces. Enjoy the freedom to roam along the enchanting river and woodland paths.
Exploring Keith
This ‘Scots Toun’ is perfectly placed to enjoy the best of Moray Speyside. The Keith that we know and love today is the amalgamation of three separate communities: Old Town, New Keith and Fife Keith.
Keith is a magical town to explore on foot, wedged between Strathisla and Glen Keith Distilleries sits the remains of Milton Tower.
The historic Linn Bridge is perfectly positioned over the River Isla. On the river, you will also find the Linn Pot where, historically, locals used to drown witches.
Head over to the cemetery in Old Town where you can spot the Auld Brig. This ancient stone bridge is over 400 years old. Follow the A96 up the hill, past the historic train station, is the St Rufus Church. The church is an early nineteenth-century Gothic Church.
Keith has a long history with railway lines and one of the most important lines was formerly the whisky line from Keith to Dufftown. You can still explore the line and hop on the Keith & Dufftown Railway. Travel 11 miles, in one of Scotland’s most historic wagons, to Dufftown – the Malt Whisky Capital of the World.
Accommodation in Keith
Well placed on the crossroads of the A95 and A96, Keith is perfect for an overnight stay or as the base of your Speyside adventure.
There is accommodation abound and there’s options that suit every budget. Five hotels sit around the A96, each with its own restaurant.
- Ugie House Hotel
- Grampian Hotel
- The Royal Hotel and Restaurant
- Commercial Hotel
- Fife Arms Hotel
For a more personal, catered experience, book a stay at Isla Bank House. This charming historic property is only minutes away from the train stations and offers en-suite bathrooms and private dinning rooms.
Experience rural Scotland and stay in a self-catering cottage – close enough to access all the amenities and services, yet rural enough to connect with Speyside, its land and wildlife.
Eating in Keith
Keith offers the visitor an array of cafes and other places to eat. Boogie Woogie and Square Roots Café are popular for both food and atmosphere. The Royal Hotel offers a mixture of Traditional Scottish and International Dishes and a warm, friendly welcome.
Things to do in and around Keith
Reidhaven Square is a great starting point to explore Keith’s surrounds. Waymarked trails direct you through the forests and fields, hills and dales.
Two popular walking routes are on either side of town. From the square, head east for the circular route to The Falls of Tarnash and Dunnydruff Woods.
The walk in Fife Keith passes through Cottage Wood and skirts the local Golf Course. Keith Golf Course is open to both members and guests and offers a relatively short but exciting 5800 yard test.
For the more adventures be sure to visit the Speyside Falconry and have you picture taken alongside one of the beautiful owls or even take a walk with a hawk. Outdoor enthusiasts should visit House of Mulben where quad biking, trout fishing and clay pigeon shooting are just some of the activities available.
A Scotch Whisky Immersion
The town is home to three single malt distilleries, however Strathisla is the only one open to the public. Recognised as one of the prettiest distilleries in Scotland (if not the world), its twin pagodas have stood as a proud symbol of Keith since 1786.
Keith is included in our Malt Whisky Tour Itinerary which will guide you round the Distilleries in and around the area.
Useful Links
InKeith – Town Website with listings, recommendations and an event calendar.
Undiscovered Scotland – Keith, Undiscovered Scotland Page.
My Voyage Scotland – Guide to Keith Page