Heading north from Maud this section of the Formartine and Buchan Way passes through gentle farmland to Strichen.
Bog Factor
Track and path.
Station Road, Maud.
Buses to Maud from Fraserburgh and Strichen.
NJ926479
This is a fairly short section, but Strichen makes a good stopping point as it has shops and services and further north the route does not pass any major settlements until it reaches Fraserburgh. It is possible to continue to Fraserburgh in one day. From Maud rejoin the Formartine and Buchan Way by heading down the pathway opposite the Station Hotel (on Station Road) to the right of the shop and crossing the road, turning left and then right to regain the old railway line, signed for Strichen. After a short section the route crosses the B9106 and after a slight dog-leg to the left continues northwards through open farmland.
Agriculture is still important in this part of the north east, and the Way is used as a farm track on this section and is also popular with horse riders. An old linesmen's hut is a reminder of the railway line which once ferried fish from Fraserburgh to the markets in the south. This section of the railway opened after the Peterhead branch as did this section of the Formartine and Buchan Way.
The route soon reaches a section near North Atherb which can sometimes be very wet or even flooded at times. Recent work to clear trees and branches have improved this section.
The route continues through gently undulating farmland towards Strichen. After crossing the A981 and heading through countryside, an old mill (now a house) and a couple of large houses are passed on the left. Just beyond here you can detour (750m) to view the Strichen recumbent stone circle on top of a small hill to the right of the Way. To do this head down the path on the left side of the Way and under the bridge and follow the signs through the fields to the hilltop.
The Way passes Newton Wood on the right where there are forest trails and further on a loch which makes a good rest stop. Otherwise it is only a short walk into Strichen, head down some steps on the left to reach the road. From here head over the stone bridge to reach the centre of Strichen which has a number of shop and an impressive castellated granite Town House. Overlooking the town in the distance is the Mormond Hill white horse.
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