Path closures and project updates

On this page you can view details of path closures and updates on path project works in Aberdeenshire.

Please take care to keep yourself and others safe when exercising access rights, and remember that the outdoors can't be made risk-free.

Port Elphinstone: temporary diversion of core path 

A temporary diversion is in place for a section of the core path between Ladeside Road, Port Elphinstone leading under the railway bridge over the old canal at Port Elphinstone. This is due to works undertaken on behalf of Network Rail. This temporary diversion will be in place from 10th August until 13th September 2024. During this time, please use the alternative signposted route. 

Tarlair Lido Path in MacDuff

At Tarlair Lido the footpath to the rear of the Pavilion has been closed due to drainage works. The expectation is that it will need to remain fully closed until mid-February 2024. There is no convenient or safe way of re-opening the path in the evenings or at the weekends.

Temporary closure signs have been placed at both ends of the site.

Wrack Woodland: Duff House Banff

Works began at Wrack Woodland on 15th January 2024 to remove dead and dangerous trees, supported by the Woodlands in and around Towns (WIAT) programme:

• From 15th of January there will be no access/use of paths from the Fife Gates up to the Ice House
• From 22nd of January the work will move to the area from the Ice House to the Mausoleum - signage will be in place

Heavy machinery will be used for these works, therefore we ask, in the interests of safety, to avoid these areas.

Bullers of Buchan coastal path

Due to the recent storm damage to the footbridge a section of the costal path at Bullers of Buchan has been closed. 

Fraserburgh: Wine Tower to Four Winds Shelter

The path from the Wine Tower in Fraserburgh to the Four Winds Shelter is closed due to significant erosion on the shore, and the slip is very close to the path edge. This may affect the path if damaged by any further storms. Due to the potential for further rock falls and injury we have signposted both ends of the path with path closed signs to prevent access.

Crovie to Gardenston, Sneuk path closed

The Sneuk path between Crovie and Gardenstown has been closed due to significant rock fall and the potential for further rock falls and injury while crossing. We have signposted with path closed signs and blocked the path with Herras Fence to prevent access. This will remain in place till we can survey the site, clear the obstruction and repair any damage.

Suspension Bridge (Shakin Brig) from Edzell Woods to Edzell, closed

Storm Babet has caused structural damaged to the pedestrian suspension bridge along the path leading to Edzell from Edzell Woods, therefore for public safety the bridge has been closed.

Coastal path north of Portlethen village

Severe weather has damaged the coastal path north of Portlethen village, leaving a section of steps unsafe. The public are advised not to use the path.

Battlehill Wood, Huntly

Battlehill Wood currently has an area of storm-damaged trees in the midsection of the wood. While the circular path has been partially cleared to allow access through the fallen trees, it remains restricted around the northern section. The smaller circular route is fully accessible. Efforts are currently underway to appoint contractors who will address and clear the remaining storm-damaged area at Battlehill. It is anticipated this will be complete by early 2025.

Formartine and Buchan Way

There will be no access between Riverside Road Ellon and Station House Esslemont (PDF 590KB), due to upgrade works from 26th August 2024 for 14 Weeks. There is no suitable diversion route available.

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.

Cowie to Stonehaven Golf Course upper and lower cliff paths

After past and more recent storm damage the path width has narrowed along two sections of the upper cliff path from the golf course lay-by/picnic area (above Cowie), to St Mary’s church. The lower Cowie to upper golf course cliff path link remains slippery underfoot. Warning signs have been installed to alert of the dangers when using these paths.

Sandend to Cullen

Due to upgrade and repair works the path between Findlater Castle and Sandend is expected to be closed for 12 weeks from 17th June to 6th September 2024. During this time, please use the alternative route signposted on site via the Barnyards of Findlater car park. Please see map for diversionary route (PDF 190KB).

The contractors will be siting a welfare unit in the car park at Sandend for the duration of the works. We apologise for any inconvenience this causes during this time. 

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.