Swap Aberdeen for sea-swept cliffs and a farm-to-bottle distillery on this six-hour tour. Watch puffins and other seabirds at Dunnottar, then finish with a tasting and behind-the-scenes look at Arbikie’s spirits.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A salt wind pushes across a narrow headland as the road drops into a harbour town; basalt cliffs rise abrupt and black, and white-flecked seabirds wheel on the updrafts. On this full-day excursion from Aberdeen, visitors trade city streets for cliff-top views of guillemots, razorbills and the comic, orange-beaked puffins that make the North Sea their summer nursery.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
6 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves short walks on uneven cliff paths and light standing during tastings.
Wildlife
History
Dunnottar Castle guarded strategic routes to Aberdeen and played roles in medieval and 17th-century Scottish conflicts; Arbikie continues a regional tradition of farm-based distilling, using local barley cultivated on estate fields.
Conservation
Seabird colonies are sensitive to disturbance—stay on paths, avoid cliff-top nesting ledges, and follow local guidance to minimize impact.
Reserve your spot on the Puffins and Gin at Arbikie Gin Distillery Inc Admission fee's today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring binoculars
A compact pair (8x) reveals nesting ledges and puffins without disturbing colonies.
Wear layered, waterproof clothing
Coastal weather changes quickly—windproof shells and a waterproof layer keep you comfortable on exposed headlands.
Mind the cliff edges
Paths are uneven and often close to steep drops; keep children close and stay on marked trails.
Book distillery slot ahead
Arbikie’s tours and tasting experiences have limited capacity—reserve your preferred tour (gin, vodka, whisky) in advance.
Waterproof jacket
Protects against wind-driven rain common on the North Sea coast.
spring
Sturdy walking shoes
Grip and ankle support for uneven, sometimes muddy cliff-top paths.
Binoculars
Compact optics help spot puffins and other seabirds on distant ledges.
summer
Photo ID and booking confirmation
Required for distillery entry and tasting; keep digital or printed copies accessible.