Formartine and Buchan Way
The Formartine and Buchan Way is a long-distance trail in Scotland, extending from Dyce north to Peterhead and Fraserburgh in the Buchan and Formartine districts of Aberdeenshire in Scotland. It follows the track of a former railway line, the Formartine and Buchan Railway, and is open to walkers, cyclists and horse riders. The railway closed in 1979 (Fraserburgh) and 1970 (Maud-Peterhead). The walkway opened in the early 1990s, and is managed by Aberdeenshire Council. It is listed as one of Scotland's Great Trails by NatureScot. Places of interest along the way include Drinnes Wood Observatory, Strichen Stone Circle, Aden Country Park, Deer Abbey and The White Horse at Strichen.
| Formatine and Buchan Way | |
|---|---|
Formatine and Buchan Way at Logierieve. | |
| Length | 64 km (40 mi) to Fraserburgh, plus 21 km (13 mi) spur to Peterhead. |
| Location | Aberdeenshire, Scotland |
| Designation | Scotland's Great Trails |
| Trailheads | |
| Use | Walking, cycling, horseriding |
| Elevation gain/loss | 420 metres (1,380 ft) gain |
| Season | All Year |
| Website | https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/paths-and-outdoor-access/long-distance-routes/formartine-and-buchan-way/ |
The total path is around 85 kilometres (53 mi) long if both spurs are travelled and can be accessed relatively easily by public transport or car. An information pack detailing the route has been produced by Aberdeenshire Council: the pack can be purchased from local tourist information centres and is also available to download. The route is also marked on OS maps. The path is well signposted and is easy to follow. The track is relatively flat and undulates only when roads have to be crossed. It is mostly well mowed. The Maud to Strichen section has a detour because of overgrown shrubbery, marshy conditions and impassable fencing.
Much of the route is not suitable for those on adapted cycles, due to frequent access barriers, except where the route is shared by National Cycle Network Route 1, between Auchnagatt and Maud.