Discover Aberdeenshire's picturesque rural scenery by following the historic Formartine and Buchan railway line, stretching from Dyce in the heart of the county to the coastal destinations of Fraserburgh or Peterhead.

The Formartine and Buchan Way, is a long-distance trail open to walkers, cyclists, and horse riders, offering a flat, traffic-free pathway suitable for all abilities.

Spanning 53 miles (85 km) if both spurs are travelled, the route is managed by Aberdeenshire Council and listed as one of Scotland's Great Trails by NatureScot. The pathway is well-signposted and easy to follow.

Beginning at Dyce Railway station on the outskirts of Aberdeen, the trail continues for 25 miles (40 km) through rural Aberdeenshire to Maud, where it splits into two routes – eastwards to Peterhead and northwards to Fraserburgh.

Passing through, or close to, many points of interest including Aden Country Park, Drinnies Wood Observatory, Strichen Stone Circle and Deer Abbey, the trail offers opportunities for interesting detours or picnic destinations. At the conclusion of the journey, you'll be treated to the Aberdeenshire coastline, where you can choose between Fraserburgh with its vast sandy beach or Peterhead with its lively port.

I've organised the route into easily navigable walking sections, each concluding in towns, villages or hamlets. These segments range from 6 to 12 miles in length (10 to 20 km) on flat, accessible terrain. Due to limited accommodation along the route, it's advisable to approach it in sections over a series of separate days. Alternatively, taking advantage of Scotland's right to roam camping laws allows you to legally wild camp, enabling you to bring a tent and complete the entire route in one continuous journey. Wild camping must be done responsibly by avoiding enclosed fields, buildings, roads, or historic structures and practicing leave-no-trace principles, including removing all litter.

Starting from Dyce is convenient as it's accessible by train on ScotRail's Aberdeen to Inverness Line. Although Fraserburgh and Peterhead lack a train service, their size means that they’re well-connected by numerous buses serving the local vicinity and beyond.

You can enjoy the route throughout the year; it's worth noting that it doubles as a cycle path, so you’re likely to encounter cyclists and even horse riders. The terrain is generally flat with a pleasant, compact surface, though be aware that certain sections may become muddy after rainfall.

Whether you relish flat walks, have a passion for rail history, or seek to discover the lesser-known settlements of Aberdeenshire, the Formartine and Buchan Way offers an ideal experience for you!