From

£ 53 / adult

north-east-coastal-trail-1-day-tour-from-aberdeen

Soak in the rugged and wild coastline of the Highlands

Itinerary

Explore the wild east coast of Scotland

Day 1
Pick Up Location Map Image

Pick up time: 9.00am

Location: Aberdeen Bus Station Pick Up, Stance 5, Aberdeen Bus Station, Guild Street, Aberdeen, AB11 6NA

Morning

Aberdeen to Spey Bay

Time for some adventure among the wild northeastern landscapes of Scotland. We leave Aberdeen and head for Spey Bay, a beautiful coastal reserve home to the largest shingle beach in Scotland. Here, you have time to learn about the area and try to spot dolphins.

Mid Morning

Bow Fiddle Rock and Cullen for lunch

We then journey to the quiet seaside village of Portknockie where the incredible Bow Fiddle Rock awaits your presence. It's one of our favourite coastal sights in Scotland thanks to its unusual shape that continues to be battered and shaped by the wild waves, offering an epic photo and a memorable experience. We then pop into the village of Cullen, where you have a chance to taste Cullen Skink soup in its hometown. But don't spend all your time savouring the flavour, because there are lovely little strolls to take around the village.

Afternoon

Portsoy and Bullers of Buchan

After lunch, we travel the short distance to Portsoy. This archetypal Scottish seaside town boasts the oldest harbour on the Moray Coast and shops selling unique jewellery made from ‘Portsoy Marble'. From Portsoy, we journey to Bullers of Buchan. Here you try to count how many species of sea birds you can spot or simply admire the glorious sea scape of caves and cliffs.

Early Evening

Slains Castle and journey back to Aberdeen

Slains Castle is the next stop of your day. This grand coastal castle had its roof removed to avoid taxes. You have time here to get a photo and learn about how the octagonal room inspired Bram Stoker's Dracula. And now it's time to journey back through farmlands and along coastal routes as we head for Aberdeen, where we arrive in the early evening.

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Pick-up & drop-off
Name
Location
Description
Start
Aberdeen Bus Station Pick Up, Stance 5, Aberdeen Bus Station, Guild Street, Aberdeen, AB11 6NA
Boarding starts at 8.45am
Boarding closes at 9.00am
Return - 6.00pm (approx.)
Aberdeen Bus Station Drop Off, Stance 5, Aberdeen Bus Station, Guild Street, Aberdeen, AB11 6NA
Driver-guides will confirm an approximate return time to all passengers on the final day of the tour.
Luggage

All passengers are entitled to 1 piece of checked luggage & 1 small carry on bag. Checked luggage will be stowed in the luggage compartment (not assessable until drop off) while smaller bags for personal items (eg medication, water etc) may be taken on board.

Allowance per passenger
Baggage Allowance
Checked luggage
Number of items: 1 Max weight:30lb Max dimensions:22in x 14in x 9in
Baggage Allowance
Carry on for personal items
Number of items: 1 Max weight:10lb Max dimensions:12in x 10in x 4in
Weather

There’s no such thing as bad weather - simply the wrong clothing! Embrace the adventure, rain or shine and discover the beauty of the places we visit, no matter the weather.

The weather in the UK may vary, depending where you travel to. The south of England tends to be milder and sunnier, while the north and Scotland experience cooler temperatures and more rainfall. Rain showers can appear at any time, but they often pass quickly, making way for bursts of sunshine. Coastal areas may feel breezier, while the countryside often enjoys more settled and slightly warmer conditions.

Spring in the UK is often mixed with some cold days with frost and other bring warm days. Temperatures are usually 48 - 60°F.

Temperature

48 - 60°F (9 -16°C)

Average monthly rainfall

1.65 - 2.77in (4.2 - 6.2cm)

Humidity level

70 - 90%

Summer in the UK brings longer days and milder temperatures, typically ranging from 60 - 75°F. While some days can be warm and sunny, especially in the south, the weather remains unpredictable, with occasional showers and cooler breezes.

Temperature

60 - 75°F (16 - 24°C)

Average monthly rainfall

2.0 - 3.5 in (5.1 - 8.9 cm)

Humidity level

65 - 85%

Autumn in the UK brings crisp air, golden landscapes, and a mix of sunshine and showers. The weather gradually cools down. The south tends to stay milder, while northern areas and Scotland experience cooler conditions. The winds become more blustery in late autumn.

Temperature

48 - 63°F (9 -17°C) in early autumn, cooling to 37 -54°F (3 -12°C)

Average monthly rainfall

from 2.0 - 3.1inches (5.1–7.9 cm) in September to 3.1- 4.7 (7.9–11.9) inches in November

Humidity level

75 - 90%

Winter in the UK is typically cold, crisp, and damp, with temperatures often hovering around 32–45°F (0–7°C). While snow is a rare occurrence, it can transform the landscape, particularly in the northern and higher-altitude regions.

Temperature

32 - 45°F (0 - 7°C)

Average monthly rainfall

2.0 - 3.1 in (5.1- 7.9 cm)

Humidity level

85 - 95%

Accessibility

We aim to make your tour as comfortable as possible and accommodate accessibility requirements to the best of our ability. Our buses are maintained to a high standard and our drive guides are trained to provide support to passengers.

Vehicle Types

UK tours use 16-seat Mercedes Mini-coaches without toilets.

Entry & Exit of Buses
  • Front left passenger door with three 150mm steps.
  • Grab handles on both sides, non-slip treads, and clearly marked step edges.
Seating
  • Standard coach seats, with a step up to the back row.

    • Seat configuration: single seats on the passenger side, double seats on the driver’s side.

    • Three-point seatbelts on all seats (must be worn when moving). Seatbelt extenders available on request.

Child Seating
  • Booster seats available for children under 1.35m (advance notice required).
Wheelchairs
  • Buses are not wheelchair accessible.

    • Large luggage compartments for manual folding wheelchairs or walking frames (no battery-operated wheelchairs allowed).

    • Staff cannot provide physical assistance. Guests must be able to board and exit independently or with companion assistance.

FAQ

Hello curious traveller, are you ready to go beyond with us? Whether you're heading to the Highlands, the Lake District, or further; we know you might have a few questions before setting off on your adventure. Our FAQs are here to help make your journey smooth and stress-free.

Do you offer hotel pickups in the departure cities?

The UK and Ireland's historic city centres are full of narrow streets and winding roads. So, to speed up your departure, we only pick up from our central meeting points. What's more is leaving the city using the most direct route also reduces the carbon footprint of our tours.

Is there parking close to the departure point?

We don't recommend bringing your car into the centre of our departure cities. It can be hard to find parking, and there are excellent public transportation services.

When should I get to the departure point?

Arrive 15 minutes before your departure time. Due to waiting restrictions, we can't wait for you if you're late.

Do I need a visa or travel authorisation to go on a Rabbie’s tour?

Entry requirements vary depending on your nationality, personal circumstances, and the country or countries you will travel to and transit through. It is your responsibility to ensure you have all relevant documentation required for your selected itinerary and that you meet all formal entry requirements before travelling.

You can find up-to-date and reliable information on the official tourism website of the counties you’re visiting, or from their embassy or consulate.

What happens if I'm late or miss the tour?

If you're late for your tour, our cancellation policy applies. 100% charges are applicable, and you will not be entitled to a refund or alternative.

What are your cancellation policies?

Cancellation terms depend on which tour you've booked:

1 Day Tours
You'll receive a full refund if you cancel 24 hours or more before the tour departure.

2 - 9 Day Tours
You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 15 or more days before the tour departure.

10+ Day Tours
You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 21 or more days before the tour departure.

Package tours
You'll receive a 90% refund if you cancel 56 days or more before the tour departure.


If you cancel inside these notice periods, full charges will apply and no refunds will be issued.


To cancel your booking please email tours@rabbies.com as soon as possible. The effective date of cancellation will be the date we receive written confirmation from you.

Can itineraries change?

Your tour will always follow the itinerary as closely as possible. Your driver-guide will keep you up to date on the road, and we'll try to get in touch about any large changes prior to your departure.

What is a guaranteed departure?

It's simple: you book, you go. This means we'll never cancel your tour because of a minimum numbers policy.

Can I pre-book a specific seat?

Due to logistical reasons, we're unable to let you pre-book a seat on the bus. But our comfortable 16-seat mini-coaches have huge windows. So, you'll always get a good view.

Are there toilets on the bus?

We like to keep our coaches small and nimble. This means we have no on-board toilet facilities, but you frequently stop in local towns and villages for comfort breaks.

Do you take children on your tours?

We regret we don't carry children under the age of five on our scheduled tours. Also, some of our tours that focus on whisky experiences are suitable for travellers aged 18+.

You can ask us about the tours we recommend for younger children. And if your child is less than 1.35m tall, you should let us know, so we can provide them with a suitable booster seat.

How much time do I get off the bus?

We want you to enjoy every country you visit with us. And we believe the best way to do this is to get you off the mini-coach and out exploring. So, we give you plenty of time to take photos, go walking, and explore ancient ruins.

How does accommodation work?

Accommodation is a key part of your multi-day tour experience. Where accommodation is not included as part of your tour you will have the free option to have us reserve rooms on your behalf (Reserved by Rabbie's) or server your own accommodation with a venue of your choosing (Tour Only).

Read more about how accommodation works

Accommodation pricing

Where accommodation not included in your tour package, prices will vary per location, time of year and are based on availability. We work with verified 3rd party providers who set their own prices.

You should expect to pay from £80 (€80) per person per night for B&B Ensuite accommodation or from £100 (€100) for a Hotel. Prices are based on multiple occupancy per room. Supplements for single occupancy may apply.

For more details please view our Accommodation Guide

Why do you exclude visitor attractions?

We exclude visitor attractions in your tour price because it lets you travel your way. It means you can pamper yourself with a luxury lunch or skip an attraction whenever you feel like it.

Do we need to bring our own lunch?

You don't need to. We stop in small towns, villages, and rural eateries where you can choose whatever meal pleases both your taste buds and your budget.

Should I tip the driver-guide?

Let's be honest, our driver-guides would never refuse a cheeky bonus. But it's up to you, and the amount is entirely at your discretion.

What about travel insurance?

We advise you take out travel insurance.

What is ABTOT?

You're protected by ABTOT when you chose to let us reserve your accommodation on a multi-day tour. This means you can claim back anything you've paid us if we become bankrupt. Read our terms and conditions for more information.

I have more questions, who can help me?

If you have any more questions, call us on +44(0)131 226 3133, email tours@rabbies.com , or check out our full FAQs.

Tour Reviews

We're very proud of our tours - but don't just take our word for it. Read our favorite Trustpilot reviews below.