Attractions and Places To See around Longside And District - Top 20

Longside And District is rich in history. You can visit the dramatic ruins of New Slains Castle, perched on the coast near Cruden Bay, which dates back to 1597 and is said to have inspired Bram Stoker's *Dracula*. The area also features the historic Old Parish Church (1620) and its gateway, both Category A listed buildings. Don't miss the Maud Railway Station and Formartine & Buchan Railway Museum, which showcases the region's railway heritage.

Absolutely! The region boasts stunning natural beauty. The Bullers of Buchan — Sea Cliffs and Rock Arch is a spectacular geological coastal feature where you can observe sea cliffs and a rock arch, and even spot puffins in spring and early summer. Another captivating coastal formation is the Dunbuy Island Sea Arch, a distinctive natural monument formed millions of years ago.

The Formartine and Buchan Way: Maud to Auchnagatt offers a multi-user trail that follows an old railway line. This section is well-surfaced, flat, and suitable for both cycling and walking, providing good views across farmland. For more routes, you can explore various hiking and cycling guides around Longside And District.

Yes, there are options suitable for families. The Formartine and Buchan Way: Maud to Auchnagatt is a family-friendly multi-user trail perfect for easy walks or bike rides. The Maud Railway Station and Formartine & Buchan Railway Museum can also be an engaging visit for children interested in trains, though it operates seasonally during the summer.

The coastal areas are excellent for wildlife spotting. At the Bullers of Buchan — Sea Cliffs and Rock Arch, you can see many seabirds, including puffins in the spring and early summer. Dunbuy Island Sea Arch is also known for being dense with nesting seabirds.

For New Slains Castle, parking is best in Cruden Bay, followed by a short walk to the castle. There's also a free parking lot for hikers right on the street. The Bullers of Buchan — Sea Cliffs and Rock Arch has a good-sized car park that provides easy access to the cliffs and rock formations.

The Formartine and Buchan Way is a multi-user trail that follows the route of an old railway line. A notable section, Maud to Auchnagatt, is well-surfaced and offers a flat, accessible path for walking and cycling, providing pleasant views of the surrounding farmland.

While many trails are accessible, some coastal areas can be challenging. The vicinity of Dunbuy Island Sea Arch, for instance, features steep cliff edges, making it less suitable for young children or dogs. For more challenging routes, you can explore the hiking guide for Longside And District, which includes trails of varying difficulty.

Maud was historically a crucial railway junction for the Fraserburgh and Peterhead lines. Today, the old station building houses the Formartine & Buchan Railway Museum, preserving the region's rich railway heritage. The museum operates seasonally during the summer months.

Visitors frequently praise the dramatic coastal scenery, particularly the magnificent views from New Slains Castle and the stunning formations at the Bullers of Buchan — Sea Cliffs and Rock Arch. The opportunity to spot seabirds, including puffins, is also a highlight. Many appreciate the well-maintained multi-user trails like the Formartine and Buchan Way for accessible outdoor activities.

Yes, the area offers mountain biking opportunities. The Formartine and Buchan Way, while also suitable for cycling, has sections that can be explored on a mountain bike. You can find specific routes and trails in the MTB Trails around Longside And District guide, which includes easy to moderate difficulty options.