Formartine and Buchan Way

Formatine and Buchan Way
Formatine and Buchan Way at Logierieve.
Length64 km (40 mi) to Fraserburgh, plus 21 km (13 mi) spur to Peterhead.[1]
LocationAberdeenshire, Scotland
DesignationScotland's Great Trails
Trailheads
UseWalking, cycling, horseriding[2]
Elevation gain/loss420 metres (1,380 ft) gain[3]
SeasonAll Year
Websitehttps://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/paths-and-outdoor-access/long-distance-routes/formartine-and-buchan-way/
Udny Station looking along the footpath.

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.[2] The railway closed in 1979 (Fraserburgh) and 1970 (Maud-Peterhead). The walkway opened in the early 1990s, and is managed by Aberdeenshire Council.[4] It is listed as one of Scotland's Great Trails by NatureScot.[3] Places of interest along the way include Drinnes Wood Observatory, Strichen Stone Circle, Aden Country Park, Deer Abbey and The White Horse at Strichen.[citation needed]

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.[2] 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.[5] 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.[citation needed]

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.[citation needed]

A metal barrier crosses the path, with a chicane and bar at ankle height.
Access barrier at Auchnagatt.
  1. ^ "Formartine and Buchan Way - Route Cards". Aberdeenshire Council. 16 May 2017. Retrieved 29 August 2018.
  2. ^ a b c "Formatine and Buchan Way". Scotland's Great Trails. Retrieved 22 August 2018.
  3. ^ a b "Trails". Scotland's Great Trails. Retrieved 22 August 2018.
  4. ^ "SNH Commissioned Report 380: Developing the network of longer distance routes" (PDF). Scottish Natural Heritage. 2010. p. 19. Retrieved 8 August 2018.
  5. ^ "Formartine and Buchan Way". Aberdeenshire Council. 4 January 2017. Retrieved 29 August 2018.