What is the cancellation policy for this tour?

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

How long does this tour take?

This tour lasts approximately 9 hours.

Where does this tour start?

This tour starts at: Pickup at Bus Parking area at Harbour Entrance.

United Kingdom

Whisky 'On The Rocks': Highland Geology & Whisky

9 hours

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Overview

Experience Scotland’s geology, landscapes, and whisky heritage in depth on this immersive full-day Whisky 'On The Rocks' GeoTour.

Your day begins at Aberdeen before travelling south to Perthumie Bay, where metamorphosed ocean sediments reveal Scotland’s origins deep beneath ancient seas. From here, you’ll continue to the clifftops above Stonehaven Golf Club, enjoying sweeping views across the Highland Boundary Fault — one of Scotland’s most important geological divides.

You’ll spend time exploring the Midland Valley Terrane, beginning with the volcanic intrusions and Old Red Sandstone river and lake deposits at Cowie Shore. After a relaxed lunch (location TBC), the tour continues via the iconic Dunnottar Castle to Crawton, where you’ll walk among superbly exposed Devonian lava flows, coastal waterfalls, and a nationally important seabird colony.

The day concludes at Fettercairn Distillery, where you’ll enjoy a full guided tour and tasting.

Gallery

Whisky 'On The Rocks': Highland Geology & Whisky — photo 1

Whisky 'On The Rocks': Highland Geology & Whisky — photo 2

Whisky 'On The Rocks': Highland Geology & Whisky — photo 3

Whisky 'On The Rocks': Highland Geology & Whisky — photo 4

Whisky 'On The Rocks': Highland Geology & Whisky — photo 5

Whisky 'On The Rocks': Highland Geology & Whisky — photo 6

Whisky 'On The Rocks': Highland Geology & Whisky — photo 7

What's Included

✓ Included

Bottled water
Snacks
Air-conditioned vehicle

✗ Not Included

We will visit a local lunch venue. Lunch will be for the participants account.

Itinerary

Stop 1

Start the day at Perthumie Bay with a 1km guided walk across some of the oldest rocks on the route — metamorphosed ocean-floor sediments that were once buried deep below an ancient sea, now pushed up to the surface as part of the Highland Terrane. A perfect introduction to the geological story of the day.

Stop 2

A panoramic stop with sweeping views across the Highland Boundary Fault — the great geological dividing line that splits Scotland in two. The perfect place to get your bearings and see the bigger picture before we head down to the coast.

Stop 3

A 1km coastal walk where the geological story really comes to life. We'll examine volcanic intrusions, Old Red Sandstone deposits, and the structures that mark the Midland Valley — Scotland's central geological lowland. Cliffs, sea air, and 400 million years of history underfoot.

Stop 4

A short walk around one of Scotland's prettiest harbours, examining the fault contacts, structures, and sedimentary features visible right in the harbour walls. A working harbour, fishing boats, and a story written in the rocks.

Stop 5

A relaxed lunch overlooking Stonehaven harbour. Time to refuel, watch the boats, and take a breath. (Lunch cost not included; budget around £15–£25 per person.)

Stop 6

A 1km walk down to a hidden coastal waterfall, surrounded by ancient Devonian lava flows and a thriving seabird colony. One of the most dramatic and least-visited places on the Aberdeenshire coast. Some steep paths, but worth every step.

Stop 7

The grand finale — Fettercairn Distillery, founded in 1824 and famous for its distinctive cooling-ring stills, a process found nowhere else in Scotch whisky. A guided tour of the working distillery, followed by a tasting of classic Scottish malts. By the time you're holding the dram, you'll know exactly why this distillery is where it is.