The Formartine & Buchan Way is a 40-mile inland route that runs from the town of Dyce (next to Aberdeen Airport) on a north-easterly course to the fishing port of Fraserburgh. I have split the walk into three sections of varying length. Each leg has convenient transport connections back to the starting point. Dyce lies six miles north of Aberdeen city centre and regular trains run back and forth. The walking route starts just outside Dyce Station as this is where the old line to Fraserburgh branched off.
The pathway tends to be tarmac around towns and villages but breaks into stonier sections out in the country. Nevertheless it's easy going for an experienced walker and the gentle gradients enable you to clock up the miles. Railway bridges are encountered and there are also several lineside workers huts still standing. Wildlife is plentiful and the setting is overwhelmingly peaceful. A good place to stop for lunch is the platform at Udny Station which appears after eight and a half miles. Continue towards the medium-sized town of Ellon, crossing the viaduct over the River Ythan and continuing towards Station Road. Head into the town centre where food, drink and toilets are available. You can bus it back to Aberdeen and (if required) take a train from there to Dyce.
