• Gardenstown - Discover the North Aberdeenshire Coast
  Embark on a journey through the picturesque Aberdeenshire countryside to the coastal villages of Gardenstown and Crovie. Nestled into the red sandstone cliffs, these villages exude a unique and secluded charm. From the delightful harbour and beach, enjoy views over the Moray Firth and possibly spot dolphins and other wildlife in the bay.

Gardenstown recently marked its 300th naming anniversary and boasts a harbour with a fleet of small fishing boats. On the quayside, observe fishermen preparing their lobster pots for the next catch, and visit the Salmon House, home to the Heritage Centre. A walk along the coastal path to Crovie, dating back to the 18th century, is recommended if the tide permits. Crovie, the smallest and most remote of the Buchan cliff-foot fishing villages, consists of a single row of houses, mostly facing the sea.

• Pennan - A Heroic Setting
  Pennan was established as a fishing village in the 18th century. The villagers relied on the sea, with most families owning small boats, and often multiple generations residing in the village. With its pebble stone beach and charming houses with colorful windows, Pennan offers a serene atmosphere that invites you to relax and listen to the waves.

Pennan gained fame in the 1980s as a key location for the film Local Hero, representing the fictional village of Ferness. Film fans from around the globe visit to make a call from the iconic red telephone box featured in the movie.

• Fraserburgh - A Bustling Harbour Town
  The name Fraserburgh means ‘burgh of Fraser’, named after the Fraser Family who acquired the lands of Philorth in 1504 and constructed the family castle at Kinnaird Head. The castle was later converted into one of the first lighthouses in the northeast in 1787.

Fraserburgh remains a vibrant harbour town, offering the chance to explore the headland and view the lighthouse, wine tower, and foghorn while passing the bustling harbour. There is an opportunity to enjoy lunch and refreshments before proceeding to the next destination.

• Bullers of Buchan - Embrace the Wild
  The Bullers of Buchan refers to both a collapsed sea cave and the nearby hamlet. The sea cave forms an almost circular hole, approximately 30 metres deep, where the sea rushes in through a natural archway.
  The surrounding cliffs provide nesting sites in spring for seabird colonies, including kittiwakes, puffins, fulmars, shags, razorbills, and guillemots, along with herring gulls and great black-backed gulls.

• Collieston Beach - Smugglers and Scenic Coastline
  Collieston offers the first safe harbour in over fifteen miles of beaches and dunes stretching north from Aberdeen. In the 17th century, fishing for herring, haddock, whiting, and cod thrived, and the village became renowned for ‘Collieston Speldings’, salted and sun-dried haddock and whiting, a sought-after delicacy.

The numerous sea caves and small coves with shingle beaches provided perfect terrain for smugglers. Discover the tales of notorious smuggler Phillip Kennedy and his daring escapades while evading the exciseman.

With views of Aberdeen in the distance, a small bay, and a sea arch, this is an ideal stop to conclude a day exploring coastal villages.

• Newburgh - Newburgh Seal Beach
  Newburgh Seal Beach is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Located at the mouth of the River Ythan, it hosts a thriving colony of around 400 seals often seen basking on the sandbanks. The surrounding dunes and estuary also attract diverse birdlife, including one of Europe’s largest populations of eider ducks, making it a prime location for wildlife observation.

• On-board WiFi

• Lunch

Experience the breathtaking Northeastern Coastline of Aberdeenshire, a sight that will capture your affection. On this journey, we will explore some of the most striking coastal landscapes of the region.

We will take our time to stroll through some of the most picturesque fishing communities including Gardenstown and Crovie, gaining insights about its naval history and current state. Enjoy tales about some noteworthy personalities and ‘Local Champions’ who hailed from this rural area.

From operational ports to forsaken castles, and soaring cliffs where colonies of seabirds find their nesting grounds, this excursion will submerge you in the legacy of the northeast region and its deep ties with the ocean.

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