Countryside Point to point

Formartine and Buchan Way: Maud to Longside

Walk

Grampian

Distance
7.2 mi
Est. time
3h 30m
Difficulty
Medium
PaulWalkmates Route by PaulWalkmates

Save the route to find it later. Follow it to hear when a date is added.

About this walk

Follow the Peterhead branch of the former railway from the signed trail entrance off Deer Road East in Maud through farmland towards Old Deer and Mintlaw. Deer Abbey can be seen from the route but is not accessed from the trail. Near Longside, follow the railway path around the house at Auchlee and beneath the road bridge, then take the connecting footpath and pedestrian bridge to the Station Road approach on the south side. The route finishes on the footpath before the road, not at a verified parking or collection bay.

This is a one-way walk; arrange a suitable onward journey before travelling. The lowland route can be muddy or icy, with exposed stretches and potentially flooded burns. Take care at the busy, at-grade A950 and A952 crossings. Allow enough daylight and check current conditions and closures. Allow around three and a half hours of walking, plus breaks; this is our estimate.

Official route information and closure updates: https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/outdoor-access-and-countryside/paths/long-distance-routes/formartine-and-buchan-way

Walk details

County
Grampian
Main location
Maud
Nearby town
Maud
Walk type
Point to point
Category
Countryside
Distance
7.2 mi (11.6 km)
Est. time
3h 30m
Explorer
Yes, off the beaten track

Route map

Use the route details to plan your walk

If the map image does not load, the route description and starting-point details are still on this page.

The interactive map will load when you reach this section.

Where to start

Directions to start

Walking on your own?

Start when you're ready and add the walk to your history. No group date needed.

Make this route part of your day

For walkers

Saving and preparing a route

Watch: portrait video or landscape video.

Saving and preparing a route

Read the steps
  1. Open a route and read the practical notes.
  2. Save it to your Saved Walks, then open it again from there.
  3. Check the route map and elevation profile before setting off. Reopen the details on the day.

Saved Walks needs an account. Reopening the website needs a connection; check access, weather and your own navigation before you go.

See how to plan a walk with others

This walk is waiting for a date

Not ready to pick a date? Follow it and you'll hear when somebody else does.

No commitment. You can follow it now and pick a date later.

Along the route

3 places
Information
Navigation · 0.0 mi along
Information
Navigation · 2.5 mi along
Information
Navigation · 4.7 mi along

Terms of Service

Joining a walk

A few things to know before you make plans.

Can I join if no one else is going?

You can be the first to join a scheduled walk. A suggested date is an idea for a group walk; choose Set this date up to organise it. Check the participant list and meeting details before setting off.

What if there is no date yet?

Choose Put a date on this walk to organise a group walk. Not ready to choose a day? Follow the route for scheduling updates, or save it for later.

What does the organiser do?

The organiser sets the date and meeting details and helps the group get started. They are a fellow walker and may be new to the route too.

Each walker is responsible for their own safety and navigation. Check the route, weather, equipment and whether the walk suits your experience and fitness.

Can I walk this route on my own?

Yes. Choose Walk this route on your own to open the start screen, then start when you are ready. Finish the walk to add it to your walking history. You do not need a group date.

What happens after I join?

Use the walk page to check meeting details, updates and who is going. Check in from 24 hours before the start to let the group know you still plan to come.

How do I confirm plans with the group?

Check the participant list and check-ins, and message the organiser or other walkers to confirm where to meet and who is coming. This is especially useful when the group is small.