Gin 'On The Rocks': Coast, Geology & Climate-Positive Gin
Overview
Available languages
9 hours
Mobile ticket
This full-day GeoTour explores Scotland’s Old Red Sandstone (ORS) world — an arid landscape shaped by ancient rivers, lakes and floodplains — before finishing with a field-to-bottle gin experience at Arbikie Distillery, home of the world’s first climate-positive gins and vodkas.
Led by Steve Adams, founder of Balgownie Geoscience with over 45 years of academic, industry and field experience, this tour offers a completely different 'On The Rocks' experience — combining deep-time geology, coastal scenery, climate innovation, and modern Scottish spirit craftsmanship.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Moderately steep cliff walks
What To Expect
Hill Of Garvock Viewpoint
A spectacular viewpoint overlooking the boundary between the Scottish Highlands and Lowlands. We'll get our bearings, take in the views, and unpack a few basic geological ideas that'll make sense of everything you see for the rest of the day. Don't worry — no homework.
Johnshaven
A working fishing village with one of the prettiest harbours on the Angus coast. We'll walk the foreshore and read the story written in the rocks — ancient riverbeds, dried lake mud, and the traces of one of Scotland's earliest desert landscapes.
Options
Gin 'On The Rocks': Coast, Geology & Climate-Positive Gin
What‘s Included
Bottled water
Snacks
Air-conditioned vehicle
Lunch is for participants account
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
2 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fabulous, fun, informative tour
johnbV3799AP,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Steve is a fantastic tour guide, tremendously knowledgable in the geology and history of the northeast of Scotland. He engages with the tour participants with interest and humour. The tour is ideal for couples, small groups or single travellers. The stops on the tour are all easily reached from Steve's very comfortable minibus and show off the area, from rocky shores to wide vistas. It's a great excursion from Aberdeen for all levels of geological knowledge and ends with gin tasting at a sustainable distillery overlooking a castle, beach and the North Sea. Thoroughly recommended!
Fantastic day trip
166beths,May 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We went on the gin on the rocks tour in mid April. It was an extraordinary day trip. Who would have thought that Scotland used to be where Borneo is now or that you can see a geological fault on the Aberdeenshire coast. We knew nothing about geology but now understand a bit more about why Scotland looks like it does. Just amazing. Steve is infectiously enthusiastic. He entertained the group right through the tour from the first sight of the Highland boundary fault to the gin tour. A great tour for someone who wants something different. Suitable for novices (like us) or enthusiasts.
Related Experiences
Operated by Scotland 'On The Rocks' GeoTours