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Walking, Cycling and Horse-riding on the 53 miles Formartine & Buchan Way all abilities

February 2021 –

www..gov.uk/ paths-and-outdoor-access/ Aberdeenshire Council Produced by GDT 12578 The Formartine & Buchan Way

Walking, Cycling and Horse-riding on the 53 miles Formartine & Buchan Way all abilities The Formartine & Buchan Way

The Formartine & Buchan Way 53 miles of dramatic landscape just waiting to be discovered! The Formartine & Buchan Way will offer you an immense variety of landscape from the rolling farmland of north east Aberdeenshire to the bustling fshing ports of and .

The Formartine & Buchan Railway Line was opened in 1861 and ran from Dyce to , 29 miles in length, in the North East of . A connection from Maud to Peterhead, 13 miles long, was opened a year later, and in 1865 the fnal 15 mile section linking Fraserburgh to Maud was opened, providing a much needed link © GNSRA with . ‘Maud Station was the heart and soul The Line started at Dyce, the junction of our existence, the junction where which linked with the main line of the the train from Aberdeen split into Great North of Scotland Railway. two sections, one for Fraserburgh (or Broch, as we knew it) and the other Passenger services were withdrawn for Peterhead, better known as the in 1965. Freight trains continued to Blue Toon. Porters puffng at their operate until 1979. The track was then Steenhives would dyst along the lifted and a cycle and footpath was platform, calling out ‘Maud, change developed for leisure purposes. for Fraserburgh’, and the steam engines It is this route which now forms the would hoot and whistle and thrust Formartine & Buchan Way. themselves into motion.’

2 www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/paths-and-outdoor-access/ The Formartine & Buchan Way © GNSRA

‘It was our platform of life, our chance The Formartine & Buchan Way offers to gaze at the in-coming stranger, to the visitor an opportunity to explore sense the ebb and fow of a throbbing the countryside safely, and discover world that lay out yonder ... Our little some of the delights only station was grand enough to have a an old railway line can offer. John Menzies bookstall, run by Tibby As the line cuts through the rural Bruce, who was as blind as a bat.’ landscape, over rolling farmland, Jack Webster ‘Another Grain of Truth’ through small friendly villages, past This extract gives us a small insight into spectacular landmarks steeped in a world that existed for the people history, it connects the visitor with an of Aberdeenshire from 1861 until the area which remains to this day full of line closed in 1965. the charm Jack Webster tells us of, in Since the closure of the line it his memories of the Railway Line. has been used frequently by local We can only imagine the steam trains communities for walking, cycling as we make our way along the route and horse-riding as well as wildlife today, admiring the scenery, its wildlife watching. and characters of yesteryear.

© GNSRA

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Planning Your Journey If you are thinking of coming to the you with information about access and area to use the Formartine & Buchan Way, local facilities. this guide will help you plan your journey. It is full of helpful information which Key to symbols will be valuable to you when deciding which parts of the route you would Walking Cycling like to visit. This booklet will provide you with general information Parking Horse riding that applies to the route, contact Gardens Refreshments information for accommodation, access, visitor attractions and wildlife Playpark Wheelchair you might be able to spot along the route. Access The map opposite provides you with a view of the area and shows the route Disabled Access for users split into sections which are colour coded of lilmited ability to match the enclosed Route Cards. Each section of the Route has its

R osehear t y Fraserburgh B9031

B9032 A90 ( T ) own Card which gives the user more A98 A98

A947

StrichenA981 B9033 B9105 N ew P itsligo

A950 B9027 B9093 A952 The Formartine Tur riff Cuminest A90 (T) A947 own detailed information about that B9170 & Buchan Way MaudA981 Mintlaw

53 miles Ugie A948 Old Peterhead all abilities B9170 B9106 Stuar tfield Deer LongsideA950

B9005 B9030 Fy vie particular area. The Cards are colour coded Walking, Cycling and Horse-riding on the Boddam A948 A952

Formartine & Buchan Way B9005

A947 Hatt on A90 (T)

B9170 A90 ( T) Cruden

Tar v es B999 Ythan Ba y Ellon A975 A920 according to each section and B9001 B9000

Inverurie B993

A947 Udny Newburgh B999 B999

Kemnay T)

B977 A90 ( K in tore B977 the distances are given. There are A96 (T)

A944

DyceDon Based on Ordnance SurveyB979 mapping. © Crown copyright rese B977 Echt Westhill Key B9119

symbols, shown below, which provide Dyce to NewmacharABERDEEN 4 miles rved. Aberdeenshire Council, 0100020767 (2009) Newmachar to Udn Dee Udny to Ellon 5 miles y 5 miles to Fraserburgh 10.5 miles . Ellon to Auchnagatt 7 miles Maud to 3 miles Auchnagatt to Maud 4.5 miles Old Deer to Mintlaw 2.5 miles Maud to Str ichen 5.5 miles Mintlaw to 2.5 miles Longside to Peterhead 6 miles

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www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/paths-and-outdoor-access/ 4 R osehear t y Fraserburgh P ennan

A90 (T) B9031 B9032

A98

B9033 A98 StrichenA981 A947 A90 (

A952 N ew P itsligo T) A950 B9093 B9105

B9027 C uminest o wn Mintlaw A981 T ur r iff Ugie A947 Peterhead B9170 Maud A950 Old S tuar tfield A948 B9106 Longside

B9170 Deer B o ddam Auchnagatt B9030 B9005 A952 A948 Ha tt onA90 (T) F y vie M ethlick B9005 C r uden T) B a y A947 A90 ( A975 B9170 Ythan Ellon T ar v es B999 A920 O ldmeldr um B9000

B9001 N ewbur gh

B993 A947 Udny In v er ur ie B999

A90)T ( Newmachar B977 Kemna y B977 B almedie K in t or e A96 (T)

DyceDon A944 B979 Westhill Based onB977 Ordnance Survey mapping. © Crown copyright reserved. Aberdeenshire Council, 0100020767 (2010). Key Dyce to Newmachar 4 miles Strichen to Fraserburgh 10.5 miles Newmachar to Udny 5 miles Maud to Old Deer 3 miles Udny to Ellon 5 miles Old Deer to Mintlaw 2.5 miles Ellon to Auchnagatt 7 miles Mintlaw to Longside 2.5 miles Auchnagatt to Maud 4.5 miles Longside to Peterhead 6 miles Maud to Strichen 5.5 miles

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A Natural Choice for Walking, Cycling & Horse-riding

The Formartine & Buchan Way is an The Formartine & Buchan Way impressive, safe pathway suitable for all The route provides a safe learning abilities of walkers, cyclists and horse-riders. environment for schools and The Route passes through community groups to experience all stunning scenery; small villages full of charm, that is on their doorstep within the such as Maud and Old Deer; taking you out countryside. Children can learn to to the fishing port of Peterhead, and respect the wildlife and understand Fraserburgh with its splendid beach. the value of getting outdoors and having fun. Consider the freedom of cycling, as the route is perfect for that day This is the ideal opportunity for an out amongst the rolling hillsides of easy and fun way to learn about the Aberdeenshire, experiencing the diversity of fora and fauna that is in outdoor pursuit that is both inspiring abundance within this natural wildlife and healthy. corridor. Horse riding is a popular use of the Walking and cycling are the ideal Formartine & Buchan Way for most leisure pursuits for improving your of the route, due the ease of access health and wellbeing. In our busy and peaceful surroundings of the old railway day-to-day schedules it is good to take line. Enjoy a perspective of the rolling a little time out to breath in some countryside from your horse fresh air.Whether you are looking for and delight in the natural flora and a long trek or a short walk, you can fauna that abounds the area. decide which section of the route is right for you.

www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/paths-and- 6 outdoor-access/ The Formartine & Buchan Way

As well as the Formartine & Buchan For further information visit: signage you will see the National Cycle www.sustrans.org.uk Network signs.

The National Cycle Network (SUSTRANS) Route 1 and the North Sea Cycle Route both use sections of the Formartine & Buchan Way between Dyce and Newmachar and again between Auchnagatt and Maud. The National Cycle Network is a The North Sea Cycle Route is the linked series of traffc free paths and same route as National Cycle traffc-calmed roads being developed Route 1 but it is part of an unbroken, throughout the UK, linking towns and signposted cycle route that follows villages with the countryside. Route 1 the entire coastline of the North Sea runs along the east coast of Scotland, - a total distance of around 6,000km. passing through Aberdeen, continuing up to John O Groats and on to For further information visit: and . www.northsea-cycle.com

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Know the Code Access for All The route is extremely safe for children, dogs and cyclists. Some of the route is suitable for wheelchair users. Please check the individual route cards for more information.

www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/paths-and-outdoor-access/ 8 The Formartine & Buchan Way © GNSRA

Accommodation and local transport As a visitor to the area you should plan your journey before you leave. Consider spending a few days exploring different parts of the route and discover the hidden gems of Aberdeenshire. If you are staying for a few days, plan where you might stay at the end If you would like to travel to the area of your days’ activities.You might by bus or by train from Aberdeen you feel quite tired and the last thing can access timetables by visiting the you want to do is then try and fnd following websites: accommodation. www.scotrail.com You can choose from the warm, www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations/ friendly service you can expect dyc/details.html from a local bed and breakfast www.aberdeenairport.com/ establishment, or book yourself into a more prestigious hotel, where you www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/ can relax in luxurious surroundings publictransport/timetables/ and be pampered. Dial-a-Bus To book accommodation visit Buchan Dial-a-Community Bus serves http://guide.visitscotland.com/ the Central Buchan area of North vs/guide East Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Telephone: 01771 619191 www.dialabus.org.uk/

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The towns and villages along the way. The old Formartine & Buchan railway 450 feet and passes through a steep line started at Dyce Railway Station. cutting in which a train was stuck in To this day the Railway Station is still in snow and had to be cleared by many full use connecting Dyce to Aberdeen men with shovels. and Inverness. From Newmachar you pass over the Dyce is very much an industrial hub rolling countryside of Aberdeenshire on the outskirts of Aberdeen and is to . home to Aberdeen airport. You can The few houses at Udny Station fnd all the amenities expected of a were built as a result of the Railway large city with four star hotels, cinema Station.Today the Udny Station Hotel complex and leisure activities. provides visitors with a welcome stop, This makes Dyce a good place to stay and chance to have a chat with the locals. and plan your journey ahead. The line from Dyce crosses the River Don and there is some stunning scenery here including Bennachie in the distance. Newmachar used to have a lovely little stone station house on the platform. Beyond Newmachar the line reaches a summit of

10 www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/outdooraccess The Formartine & Buchan Way

Looking through the trees you can see Tillycorthie Mansion, a beautiful private home which was built in 1911 and is one of the frst Scottish mansions to be made of concrete. Ellon is an expanding small town with a rich natural environment. The river Aberdeenshire village, in which you Ythan runs through the town and can still see the remains of the old woodlands surround the edge. railway station behind the houses. The Formartine & Buchan Way, in Maud, previously known as Brucklay, Ellon, runs along the striking viaduct, is a charming small village, which at which at the time of building the one time was the junction for the railway, gave builders many problems. Fraserburgh and Peterhead lines. Today the viaduct still stands proud The Station still remains to this day offering the walker and cyclist a and hosts the Formartine & Buchan spendid view of the town. Railway Museum.The museum is only open in summer so be sure to check After the bustling town of opening times before you travel. Ellon, Auchnagatt is a quaint

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Strichen is a world away from the Maud was the busy pace of life found in Aberdeen main junction and Dyce. Nestled below Mormond to Peterhead Hill, famous for its white horse made and from from stones on the side of the hill, here you turn Strichen is a small but friendly village. eastwards following the From Strichen is a longer stretch valley of the winding its way through the Buchan South Ugie countryside and into Fraserburgh. Water. On Fraserburgh is very much a seaside this route town, with a beautiful golden sandy you pass Old beach. Ideal for a stop over if you are Deer which planning to cover quite a bit of the the is a quaint Formartine & Buchan Way, it has all little country Drinnies Wood Observatory the amenities you would expect. village, situated A warm friendly welcome awaits beside . It is surrounded your visit. by rolling hillsides and mediaeval landmarks. Mintlaw hosts a cairn which was unveiled by David Bellamy to commemorate the opening of the Formartine & Buchan Way and is surrounded by beautiful country parks and natural woodland, offering the visitor many opportunities for watching wildlife.

12 www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/outdooraccess The Formartine & Buchan Way

The land starts to fatten out after the rolling hillsides of Old Deer and Mintlaw, and due to this it made Longside the ideal home for the Lenabo Airship Station, and during the Second World War vast squadrons of planes were based all around here. Peterhead is home to one of Scotland’s largest North Sea fshing ports and in fact fsh was the principle traffc for the old railway line in Peterhead.The harbour is lively and bustling, full of colourful boats entering and leaving the harbour at all times of the day. Discover how the largest town in Aberdeenshire, was and still is, a traditional, commercial and shopping centre for Buchan’s agriculture and fshing families.

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A Natural Learning Environment The old Formartine & Buchan railway line has provided a natural wildlife corridor for many local and migrating species. The is the ideal place to catch a salmon or see them leaping up river to get to their breeding grounds in the autumn. The Waters of Philorth Local Fieldfare Nature Reserve, just lying to Bird watching is an ideal pastime the south east of Fraserburgh is an anywhere on the Formartine & attractive haven for wildlife. Enjoy a Buchan Way. There are many species picnic and walk by the shores, while native to the area, but also some you watch for the many variety of interesting birds such as the the birds passing by. feldfare or pink-footed goose, visiting Pied wagtail here before migrating back for the summer. Bitterns have also been spotted in winter on the RSPB , Britain’s largest dune loch. The coastline of Aberdeenshire offers a splendid chance to view the our native species, all a short walk beyond Peterhead or Fraserburgh.

14 www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/outdooraccess The Formartine & Buchan Way

Much of the old railway line is fanked with rosebay willowherb, which bumblebees love! Many fowers banished from intensively farmed land are widespread on the line, such as harebells, oxeye daisies, yellow toadfax, foxglove, St John’s wort, red campion, cat’s ear and the heady- scented meadowsweet.

Roe deer Roe Deer are a popular sighting and Red Squirrels can be seen in the natural woodland areas of the Formartine & Buchan Way. The visitor may even be fortunate enough to spot a badger after dusk on a summer’s evening. Foxglove The Formartine & Buchan Way is a Butterfies, such as the pearl-bordered natural education opportunity for fritillary and the common blue (no children and adults of all ages! longer common), can often be seen, attracted by the patches of dog violets and the bird’s foot trefoil.

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The natural choice for an active life. There are many events held The Buchan Heritage Festival throughout the year in the small at Strichen, usually the third weekend towns and villages up and down the in May, is one of the fnest places to Formartine & Buchan Way. appreciate our rich tradition of music, song, verse, drama and local stories. Throughout the summer local galas give communities the chance to gather, For the musically minded the Wizard in the sunshine, and take part in games Music Festival in , offers and competitions. Enjoy an evening of the visitor a chance to listen to a music or join in a pub quiz. variety of bands at the end of August. It’s a family music festival with 4 stages, There is something for all the family to a dedicated childrens area, family take part in or just watch and listen to camping, fairground rides, carefully the local banter. selected food and craft stalls and a village shop. which lies adjacent to the Formartine & Buchan Way,* offers the visitor a fun day out. There are lovely walks through the grounds, gardens for the visitor, and the Aberdeenshire Farming Museum is well worth a visit. Take your picnic or allow the children to run around enjoying the open spaces and large children’s play area.

16 www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/outdooraccess The Formartine & Buchan Way

Haddo House and the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses, surrounding Country Park is the frst lighthouse built on mainland another opportunity for the visitor to Scotland, now a purpose-built enjoy the historical importance of such museum. The highlight of a visit is a a grand building as well as taking a 45 minute guided tour to Kinnaird walk through the colourful gardens in Head Lighthouse. the grounds of the house. Fraserburgh also boasts a beautiful Deer Abbey is also worth a visit. sandy beach, which offers fun for all Founded in 1219 by William Comyn the family. Discover the Fraserburgh who was the Earl of Buchan, it was Heritage Centre or play a round of dedicated to the BlessedVirgin St Mary. golf on the challenging Fraserburgh Links Golf Course. Fraserburgh is home to The

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Peterhead is home to one of the largest of Scotland’s North Sea fshing ports.The harbour is lively and bustling, full of colourful boats entering and leaving the harbour at all times of the day. Explore the maritime past of Peterhead at the Museum, one of Aberdeenshire’s oldest museums. Peterhead is the wildlife enthusiasts dream with many coastal habitats for a wide variety of bird species. These can be seen at the mouth of the on the north side of Peterhead.

18 www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/outdooraccess The Formartine & Buchan Way

Further Information

Further information on the area Useful Contacts can be found by calling Aberdeen National Trust for Scotland: Visitor Information Centre on www.nts.org.uk 01224 632 727 or by visiting Buchan Countryside Group: www.aberdeen-.com 1771 637394 or by calling into the Visitor Buchan Heritage Festival: Information Centre: www.plr.rapidial.co.uk/festival.htm Wizard Music Festival: Fraserburgh Visitor Information Centre www.wizardfestival.com 3 Saltoun Square, Fraserburgh New Deer Show: Tel: 01346 518315 www.newdeershow.co.uk Aberdeenshire Council Ranger Service: Neighbourhood Information Point: 01467 628399 Aden Caravan & Camping Site: Aden: Aberdeenshire 01771 623 460 Farming Museum Bluebird Buses Information: Ellon: Library 01224 212 266 Peterhead: The Gift Shop, Museum Information: Drummers Corner 01779 477 778 Scottish Outdor Access Code: Information websites: www.outdooraccess-scotland.com www.visitfraserburgh.com www.visitpeterhead.com Aberdeenshire Council is committed to ensuring that our environment, upon which our tourism is so www.peterheadonline.com dependent, is safeguarded for future generations to enjoy. Please recycle this guide when you are fnished with it, or pass on to a friend. For more information about the route: Please contact the Aberdeenshire All information in this brochure is believed to be correct at the time of publication (June 2010). No Council General Enquiries number to responsibility can be accepted for be directed to the relevant person - any errors or omissions. 08456 081 207

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