The second half of the Peterhead Branch of the Formartine and Buchan Way heads across quiet but flat countryside to reach the fishing port of Peterhead.
Shared cycle track, sometimes muddy.
Longside and Peterhead are both served by local buses.
Bridgend, Longside.
To join the Formartine and Buchan Way from Longside village, head north from the roundabout in the village towards Bridgend. After crossing Auchlee Bridge the road climbs and bends to the right - look out for a cycleway sign 'Peterhead 6' to leave the road and join the old railway line. The countryside in this area is quite flat, though very rural, and the route bends only slightly left and right, meaning that the way ahead can be seen for a long time.
The route crosses a couple of bridges over burns and also leads under bridges carrying tracks. Eventually it crosses a minor road just north of Torterston, and after a further 2km reaches a road junction. Cross the road which cuts across the line and continue on the cycleway, briefly running parallel to another road on the left. The road next reaches the very busy A90 - cross this with care and continue opposite.
The route quickly crosses a minor road and then heads through an area of redevelopment on the outer fringes of Peterhead. Cross a new road and continue ahead, passing to the left of a supermarket (which can be accessed from the far corner). The route continues as a green thread through housing estates, crossing one road and eventually coming to an end at a T-junction. At this point turn right to head towards the town centre. Pass the academy building and keep straight ahead at two crossroads to reach a prominent church. Here cross the road ahead and then follow the road that runs along the left side of the church - Errol Street. This soon becomes the town's high street. Peterhead is renowned for fishing - look out for the bronze sculpture of a fish wife and her daughter.
The walk complete, the bus station can be reached by turning left at the statue and then taking the second right onto St Peter street. To see the real Peterhead, however, continue straight ahead from the sculpture to reach the town's harbours, still busy with boats today.
Please consider setting up a direct debit donation to help support the continued maintenance and updates to Walkhighlands.
