Formartine and Buchan Way

The Formartine and Buchan Way is an 85-kilometer trail running from Dyce to Peterhead and Fraserburgh. It follows the route of a former railway through farmland and open countryside with gentle slopes and wide views.

The route was originally the Formartine and Buchan Railway, opened in 1861 and gradually closed between the 1960s and 1979. The walking path was then created in the 1980s to give new purpose to the abandoned infrastructure.

The path connects small villages and is used daily by local residents for walking, running, and cycling. This everyday use shows how a former transport route has become an important gathering space for the community.

The trail has multiple access points with parking facilities and information centers offering downloadable maps for different sections. Wear suitable shoes and expect muddy spots after wet weather, as the path can be soft in places.

The trail splits into two branches at Maud, with one leading to Peterhead and the other to Fraserburgh on the coast. This Y-shape is unusual for long-distance paths, as most follow a single straight line.

Location: Aberdeenshire

GPS coordinates: 57.44770,-2.11310

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:56