Tour Itinerary for University of Aberdeen Delegates – 14 May 2026:
“The Castle & Whisky Tour”
By Nicola Fraser, www.highlandjourneys.co.uk
We depart from Aberdeen for 9.00am all set for an exciting castle and whisky tour in rural Aberdeenshire!
We will drive along the scenic coast to arrive in the picturesque seaside town called Stonehaven. A few miles further along the coast, we will arrive at one of our most striking castles in Scotland, Dunnottar Castle. Perched high on top of a flat-topped rock with sheer cliffs on three sides, the ruins of this ancient castle will not disappoint! We will spend about an hour and half here exploring the castle and its rich history. (Note: there are 180 steps down to the castle/shore, make sure you have sturdy footwear!
Then we leave the rugged coastline and head inland driving through the rich farming land until we arrive at the historic Maryculter House Hotel on the banks of the famous River Dee. This really is a special place…it has been welcoming guests since the 1200’s! This is where the Knights Templar college was founded, at the time of the Great Crusades. We will be having a delicious lunch here using mostly local ingredients. Plenty of time to take photos of this unique place and maybe a group photo on the riverbanks as well!
After lunch we will leave the River Dee area and drive North, through the lovely farming landscape to arrive at Glen Garioch Distillery. The distillery is situated in the heart of Old Meldrum, a quaint, historic market town. Glen Garioch (pronounced Geery) is one of Scotland’s oldest operating distilleries and is the most easterly! They have been making whisky here in the distillery since1797! Shielded from the world’s prying eyes, deep in the fertile “Granary of Aberdeenshire”, and only ever produced in small, precious batches, Glen Garioch whisky is a rare find indeed! We will have a full tour of the distillery and tasting of a few drams too!
Later we return to the granite city of Aberdeen in time for dinner, feeling relaxed and happy after a fine day out!