Formartine and Buchan Way

The Formartine and Buchan Way is a long distance footpath that goes from Dyce north to Peterhead and Fraserburgh. It follows the track of a former railway line Formartine and Buchan Railway and is open to walkers and cyclists. Horse riders are also welcome on parts of the track but may require a permit. The railway closed in 1979 (Fraserburgh) and 1970 (Maud-Peterhead). The walkway opened in the early 90's.

Accessibility

The Way is around convert|53|mi|km long and can be accessed relatively easily by public transport or car. Only the Maud station is less accessible by bus. A map of the Formatine and Buchan way is available from local tourist offices.

Route

The Way starts at Dyce which is on the outskirts of Aberdeen City. It passes to the east of Newmachar and through Udny Station before reaching Ellon after convert|13|mi|km. It continues north through Auchnagatt before reaching the crossroads of Maud. The Ellon to Maud section is convert|12.5|mi|km long. At Maud the Way goes east to Peterhead and north to Fraserburgh. It is convert|13|mi|km to Peterhead and 15.5 to Fraserburgh.

Places of interest

Places of interest along the Way include Drinnes Wood Observatory, Strichen Stone Circle, Aden Country Park, Deer Abbey and The White Horse at Strichen.

ignage and condition of way

The Way is well sign posted and is easy to follow. The track is relatively flat and only undulates when roads have to be crossed. It is well maintained and few parts are overgrown. However the Maud to Strichen section has a detour because of overgrown shrubbery, marshy conditions and numerous problems such as gates and fences blocking access.

Users

Many cyclists use the Way as a commuting route into Dyce, Fraserburgh and Peterhead. Dog walkers are also a common sight.

Related local railway walks

Many walkers and cyclists in the local area also use the Deeside Way. It is open between Aberdeen and Culter and has recently been extended to Banchory using a mix of minor roads and railway track.

Controversial Closure of the Railway and Proposal for Re-Opening

The Peterhead-Maud section closed in 1970. The Dyce-Fraserburgh route closed as late as 1979. This closure was particularly controversial. The closure happened just as the oil boom was taking off and housing in towns like Ellon in particular was taking off. Ellon has now 50% more inhabitants now than in 1979 and the lack of a Buchan Railway leads to terrible traffic problems on the A90. Transport Scotland is accessing the Aberdeen Crossrail project with through trains from Stonehaven to Inverurie. Part of the scope of this is to consider the re-opening of sections of the Buchan line. The cost is estimated to £400million, a comparatively small amount compared to many roadbuilding schemes.

External links

*cite web| url=http://www.visitpeterhead.org.uk| title=Peterhead and Buchan| publisher=VisitScotland| accessdate=2008-09-27
* [http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/outdooraccess/long_routes/formartine_buchan.asp Aberdeenshire Council's F & BW website]
* [http://walking.visitscotland.com/walks/nescotland/213679 Tourist info on the Way]
* [http://www.railscot.co.uk/Formartine_and_Buchan_Railway/body.htm Information about the former railway]