Path closures and project updates
On this page you can view details of path closures and updates on path project works in Aberdeenshire:
Path closures
There are several health and safety issues at council woodland sites following storm damage. We advise you to avoid the sites listed below until further notice. Works to make these sites safe is due to take place in the coming months.
The public are advised to avoid:
- Meadows Plantation, Huntly
- Battlehill Wood, Huntly
- Cleanhill Woods, Aberchirder
Please take care when exercising access rights, and remember that the outdoors cannot be made risk-free. All members of the public should act with care at all times to ensure the safety of yourself and others.
Aberdeenshire Coastal Path
Following damage caused by extreme weather, sections of coast path have become difficult, and in some cases dangerous, to use. The council is reviewing the condition of these paths and therefore not currently promoting the Aberdeenshire Coastal Path.
Sandend to Cullen
We have had to close a section of the coastal path between Sandend and Findlater Castle due to landslips. This section of path will remain closed until further notice. The path between Findlater Castle and Sunnyside beach is passable with care, dependent on seasonal conditions. Potential path users are advised to assess conditions on a day-to-day basis. Findlater Castle is still accessible from Barnyards of Findlater car park.
Rosehearty to Sandhaven
Works to widen and upgrade the core path – part of the coastal path - adjacent to the B9031 between Rosehearty and Sandhaven are due to start on Monday 6th March 2023. The works are due to last 4 weeks, and will result in the closure of the footpath' temporary speed restrictions and traffic control measures being in place during this period on the public road network.
Loch of Strathbeg Core Path Bridge closure
The bridge over The Cut at Loch of Strathbeg has been closed for repairs. This section of the Coastal Path / Core Path is temporarily closed at The Cut as no local diversion is available. For details of alternative routes within the reserve please contact the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) directly or refer to their website.
Ellon Viaduct
Please be aware that due to the risk of falling masonry the areas directly under the Ellon Viaduct arches have been closed to through access. The Formartine and Buchan Way and Core Paths around Ellon remain open, and we would encourage continued use of these routes. Please observe all warning signs and barriers.
Deeside Way
The section running west from Kincardine O'Neil to Dess woods has been damaged by heavy rain and users should take care. We will progress repairs on this section.
Bridge replacements on the Formartine and Buchan Way
Funded by a significant Nestrans application to Transport Scotland, a programme of upgrades will run until end of March 2023 to replace five bridges on the Formartine and Buchan Way.
Three bridges will be replaced over the Ebrie Burn near Auchnagatt. A section of the route between Ellon and Auchnagatt will be temporarily closed to allow works to proceed safely.
Two bridges will be replaced between Udny Station and Ellon, and we expect diversions may be possible at these locations.
During construction, machinery will be working at various locations on the line and the safety of the public and the construction team is our priority. We ask that everyone observes all safety signs and avoids entering the construction site areas.