Discover one of Scotland's most beautiful castles and gardens, paired with the geological story of the Dee Valley and Highland Boundary — all in a single half-day from Aberdeen.
This relaxed half-day tour (with convenient cruise pickup at Aberdeen South Harbour) takes you to Crathes Castle, the 16th-century tower house at the gateway to Royal Deeside, with its famous walled gardens and ancient yew hedges. Along the way you'll walk metamorphosed ocean-floor rocks more than 600 million years old, see panoramic views across the Highland Boundary Fault, and explore Stonehaven's coastal geology.
Your guide is Steve Adams, a geologist with 45 years of experience and a knack for making rocks come...
Highlights
5 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
5 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
Bottled water
Snacks
Air-conditioned vehicle
Meeting Points
Departure
Port of Aberdeen - South Harbour
Pickup at Bus Parking area at Harbour Entrance
Return
Important Information
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Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
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Service animals allowed
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Public transportation options are available nearby
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Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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Moderately steep cliff and castle entry walks
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
•
For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
•
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
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If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
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This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
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Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
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Discover one of Scotland's most beautiful castles and gardens, paired with the geological story of the Dee Valley and Highland Boundary — all in a single half-day from Aberdeen.
This relaxed half-day tour (with convenient cruise pickup at Aberdeen South Harbour) takes you to Crathes Castle, the 16th-century tower house at the gateway to Royal Deeside, with its famous walled gardens and ancient yew hedges. Along the way you'll walk metamorphosed ocean-floor rocks more than 600 million years old, see panoramic views across the Highland Boundary Fault, and explore Stonehaven's coastal geology.
Your guide is Steve Adams, a geologist with 45 years of experience and a knack for making rocks come...
Highlights
5 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
5 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
Bottled water
Snacks
Air-conditioned vehicle
Meeting Points
Departure
Port of Aberdeen - South Harbour
Pickup at Bus Parking area at Harbour Entrance
Return
Itinerary
1
Stonehaven
A guided walk at Perthumie Bay across some of the oldest rocks on Scotland's east coast — metamorphosed ocean-floor sediments more than 600 million years old. A perfect introduction to Scotland's Highland Terrane and the deep history beneath your feet.
45 minutes
2
Stonehaven Golf Club
A panoramic stop with sweeping views across the Highland Boundary Fault — the great geological line that splits Scotland into Highlands and Lowlands. The perfect place to see the bigger picture before we head inland.
15 minutes
3
Stonehaven
A short coastal walk where the geology really comes to life. We'll examine volcanic flows and ancient river deposits side by side — the rocks that built Scotland's central Lowlands.
45 minutes
4
Crathes Castle
The grand finale. Explore Crathes Castle, the 16th-century tower house famous for its walled gardens, ancient yew hedges, and 400 years of family heritage at the gateway to Royal Deeside. A guided look at both the castle interior and the spectacular gardens, with time to take in the surroundings, learn about the Dee Valley's geological story, and discover why this castle stands exactly where it does.
