This is a mammoth walk but the terrain is close to flat. From Ellon town centre, proceed along Station Road and join the Formartine & Buchan Way. From here it is simply a case of following the old railway line. After passing Ellon golf course, we are out in the open country and the village of Auchnagatt is reached after seven miles. There is a shop on the main road and a picnic table adjacent to the old station. A further four and a half miles (with a welcome gentle downhill slope) brings us to the site of Maud Junction. The station buildings have been converted into a museum. Opening times are limited and the most up-to-date information is published on their Facebook page.
Two routes diverge from Maud. The eastern branch runs to Peterhead (13 miles) and can be walked as part of the F&B Way. However, we press on northwards and refreshments should be grabbed in Maud village as there are no more facilities until we reach Strichen. Again we revert to an agricultural landscape and once more the gradient gods are kind to us and we descend to our destination after passing through a pleasant cutting. Strichen has shops and watering holes to welcome the weary walker. A Stagecoach bus can be caught back to Ellon and this service runs on to Aberdeen.
