X67 Buchan Express

From the grand granite city of Aberdeen, with its fascinating architecture, medieval castles, enchanting gardens, retail therapy and pretty seaside charm, to the lovely town of Fraserburgh, the gateway to the Moray of Firth, the Buchan Express takes the open road across desolate, lush pastures, inland from the clifftops but never too far away from sea air, through pretty villages.

With a climbing ascent from Aberdeen, with coastal glimpses, it’s a lovely journey through gentle slopes and twists, including low-lying arable land, but with a many a mile and not a manmade construction visible. Charming villages of Ellon, which is on the River Ythan, then Clola, passing its picturesque church and Mintlaw, with prehistoric monuments closeby, are served en route before the denouement in Fraserburgh and an easy on the eye approach to this wonderful town, which is a mix of undulating greenery and hints of ruggedness. It’s the biggest shellfish port in Europe and home to magical coastline with abundant wildlife. There’s some fabulous walking and shopping to be enjoyed here, as well as delicious local produce. Oh and the first-ever lighthouse in Scotland too!

Gateway to X67, Buchan Express

By train to Aberdeen from Inverness, Edinburgh, North, Midlands, London and South West on Cross Country Trains, LNER or Scotrail or by Megabus/Scottish CityLink from across Scotland and England to Aberdeen or by local bus services into Aberdeen.

There’s plenty to see and do in Aberdeen before boarding the bus. Maybe a stroll down the famous Union Street and a spot of shopping or some Japanese culture in Johnston Gardens. Perhaps, crossing the Brig O’ Balgownie bridge to read Lord Byron’s poem in which it was immortalised or a walk down the sandy Aberdeen beach to look for dolphins, whales and maybe a spot of breakfast on the promenade.

With medieval castles, stunning architecture and many attractions, there’s always something to do in Aberdeen. Stroll along Union Street, one of the city’s major shopping streets, or stop by Johnston Gardens and embrace the Japanese culture. Cross the Brig O' Balgownie bridge and read Lord Byron's poem in which it was immortalised. Or head down to the sea and walk along the sandy Aberdeen Beach and see if you can spot some dolphins and whales, hang out on the promenade and check out its little shops and cafés.

Having boarded the bus a stop off at Ellon is highly recommended and a visit to Ellon Castle Gardens which includes a fabulous walled garden with yew trees over 500 years’ old and the ruins of the old Ellon Gardens. There’s also a lovely listed bridge across the Ythan, which you can walk over and was built way back in 1793. The Riverside Park also provides a great walk alongside the Ythan and a chance to check out herons, salmon and trout.

Places of interest within the town include Ellon Castle Gardens, recently brought back to life by volunteers and open to the public (see website for latest opening times). They include a walled garden of historical importance, yew trees dating back 500 years and the ruins of old Ellon Castle, and the surrounding walls known as the Deer Dyke. Ellon also has Auld Brig, a category A listed bridge across the Ythan, built in 1793 and still in use as a pedestrian bridge.

Then, it’s back on the bus, stopping off maybe at Mintlaw and a short walk to the Aden County Park, which is a very popular spot for walkers and families and also houses the Aberdeenshire Farming Museum. Just down the road too is Aberdeen Museums Service HQ and Discovery Centre and Pitfour Lake is nearby, which is a paradisical escape for some serenity set within amazing scenery and wildlife.

Back on the bus to Fraserburgh and a trip to the Fraserburgh Heritage Museum which brings further to life the rich history of this fishing town. Next door is the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses with the largest collection of lighthouse equipment in the UK and an array of fascinating artefacts. This is a town with rich history but it’s also set in the most amazing, picturesque and photographic of coastlines and is an ideal base for a few days exploring Scotland’s hidden scenic treasures and historical gems.