Formartine and Buchan Way
The Formartine and Buchan Way is a 100 km traffic-free route through Aberdeenshire from Dyce near Aberdeen to Fraserburgh and Peterhead — following the bed of two former railway lines through the agricultural heartland of north-east Scotland.
About Formartine and Buchan Way
The Formartine and Buchan Way follows two former railway lines through the farmland of Aberdeenshire — from Dyce on the outskirts of Aberdeen north to Maud (where the line split) and then east to Fraserburgh on the Moray Firth coast, with a branch to Peterhead. The railway closed in 1979 but the trackbed is now a well-surfaced multi-use path.
For trail runners it is a fast, flat route on excellent surfaces — crushed gravel throughout, gentle gradients, no navigation required. It is unusual among Scotland's Great Trails in being almost entirely flat and traffic-free. The Aberdeenshire farmland is pleasant if not spectacular; the finish at Fraserburgh with its North Sea views is the reward.
The route
Dyce to Ellon (~30 km): Through the Don valley. Ellon is the main town on the route.
Ellon to Maud (~35 km): The split point. The northern branch goes to Fraserburgh; the eastern branch to Peterhead.
Maud to Fraserburgh (~25 km): North to the Moray Firth coast.
Maud to Peterhead (~20 km): East to the North Sea fishing port.
Getting there & logistics
Start: Dyce station. Regular trains from Aberdeen city centre (10 minutes).
Finish: Fraserburgh or Peterhead. Both have bus connections to Aberdeen.
Best time: Year-round. The crushed gravel surface drains quickly.
Safety
The Formartine and Buchan Way is a low-hazard route — flat, well-surfaced, always near roads. Good mobile signal throughout. In an emergency: call 999 or 112.
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