The Beautiful Buchan
The North East of Scotland offers a truly exceptional visitors experience of a fantastic diversity. From an outstanding coastline of wonderful beaches and stunning cliff scenery to numerous historical sites, including prehistoric monuments as well as the many castles within Aberdeenshire, there’s something for everyone.
The Formartine and Buchan Way has been justifiably designated as one of Scotland’s Great Trails. It is an impressive, safe pathway suitable for all abilities of walkers, cyclist and horse-riders.
The pathway uses the former railway line linking from Dyce, on the edge of Aberdeen in the south, to the village of Maud where it splits into two routes; eastwards to Peterhead and northwards to Fraserburgh.
The route is an impressive 53 miles in length, is entirely off road and relatively flat, however it passes through such a varied and interesting landscape that the outlook is constantly changing and the journey never boring.
An Outstanding Coastline
Cliffs
sea caves;
provide nesting for many sea birds including puffins, fulmars, shags, razorbills and guillemots. Grey seals may be seen, and dolphins are often seen passing by offshore.
Outstanding Beaches
• Fraserburgh Esplanade; a beautiful sand beach, and has won Keep Scotland Beautiful Seaside Award for its cleanliness, quality of facilities and excellent management
• St Combs a sand beach, access via numerous paths
• Rattray Head a sand beach, access from car park
• Sandend Bay is a popular sandy beach for families and for surfers with access via a path and boardwalk
• Cruden Bay has won Keep Scotland Beautiful Seaside Award for its cleanliness, quality of facilities and excellent management
• Portsoy a popular sand and rock beach, access from the car park
• St Combs a sand beach, access via numerous paths
Historical Interest
• Deer Abbey; a Cistercian monestery founded in 1219 near Old Deer
• Prehistoric remains. There are stone circles from the Pictish era as well as long arrows (Longman Hill) and many tumuli.
• Castles - there are many from ruins like Slains or ones that are still inhabited such as Fyvie castle.
• Kinnaird Head Castle Lighthouse and Museum
• Duff House in Banff - Georgian mansion built in the 1730's by architect William Adam
Fyvie Castle
Local Interest
• Aden Country Park, Mintlaw - 230 acres offering a range of activites and facilities. Nominated for UK's favourite park 2022
• Peterhead Fish Market - visit the busy fish market at Peterhead and feel the buzz of activity and see the boats.
• Many Walks and cycle routes all over Aberdeenshire
• Peterhead Prison Museum - A look into the past of what prisons used to be like
• Fishing - a large number of estates offer angling by the rivers
Aden Country Park
Maud Railway Museum
Maud Railway Museum is an interesting wealth of local history with displays and highly knowledgeable and friendly staff. The museum is open at weekends only at the moment where for a £1 you can get a ride on the 5 & a 1/2 inch loco!
Local Events
The Station Hotel provides accommodation for these events
New deer agricultural show - middle of July
Turriff Show - start of August