Cortie Brae

Downs, Moorland in Aberdeenshire

Scotland

Cortie Brae

Minor road near Rathen Credit: Steven Brown

Cortie Brae is a picturesque area located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Situated among beautiful downs and moorland, it offers visitors a stunning natural landscape to explore and enjoy. The area is known for its rolling hills, heather-covered moors, and breathtaking views.

Covering a vast expanse, Cortie Brae is an ideal destination for hikers and nature lovers. The terrain is diverse, with gentle slopes and more challenging inclines, providing opportunities for both leisurely walks and more adventurous treks. On the downs, visitors can marvel at the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, while the moorland offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city life.

The area is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including birds, small mammals, and even some rare species. Birdwatchers will be delighted to spot a range of species, from the majestic golden eagle to the elusive black grouse. The moorland also supports a diverse ecosystem of plants and flowers, with vibrant heather carpets painting the landscape in shades of purple during the summer months.

Cortie Brae is not only a haven for nature enthusiasts but also a place of historical significance. Archaeological sites and ancient ruins can be found scattered throughout the area, offering a glimpse into the region's past.

Whether you are seeking a peaceful retreat, a chance to immerse yourself in nature, or a journey into history, Cortie Brae in Aberdeenshire is a must-visit destination.

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Cortie Brae Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.623496/-1.9844997 or Grid Reference NK0159. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Minor road near Rathen

Steven Brown

Lane, Rathen

Access to outlying residential properties with a hopelessly iced up car park on the left.

Richard Webb

Field entrance, south of Rathen

During a thaw and at the start of a warm spell the snow has gone, save for icy strips where it was compacted by agricultural vehicles.

Richard Webb

Rathen Primary School and Village Hall

This small Buchan village was originally a farming community and most of its old buildings built of granite. The local Peterhead granite is pink.

Colin Smith

Rathen, West Kirk

The spire dominates the village and immediate vicinity. The Gothic style kirk dates from 1870 and replaced the older, ruined one, to the east. Beside the church is a derelict but'n'ben, an old single-storey, two-roomed cottage built of granite.

Colin Smith

Rathen, Old Kirk

The ruined St Ethernan's sits beside the modern Rathen West Kirk. Some of the remains are pre-Reformation when its patron was Alexander Fraser of Philorth (Philorth established the planned town of Fraserburgh). Behind the ruined kirk is Rathen House.

Colin Smith

In Rathen

Scrubby field on the edge of the village. The roofs of scattered new cottages are visible above the trees. The ground is very dry due to the long, dry spell.

Colin Smith

'Lodge' house adjacent to Buchan Line

on a minor road / old rail line crossing point

Ken Fitlike

Rathen Kirk

This is the 19th century kirk which replaced an older one, now in ruins.

Anne Burgess

Disused railway

Now the Formartine and Buchan Way cyclepath

Iain Macaulay

Kirk at Rathen

Iain Macaulay

Rathen Church after the snow

JBPM67

The Edge of Rathen

This small village has a mix of old and new cottages. Rathen is connected to the main A92 by the minor road above. Some of the gardens, like this one, stretch to the road verges. Beyond are some of the large cereal fields of Buchan, a very rich farming area.

Colin Smith

Lonmay, Old Formartine & Buchan Railway

Lonmay once had a station on the Maud - Fraserburgh railway which was opened in 1965. Lonmay also has potatoes named after it eg Lonmay Pinks, which reflects well on this farming area in Buchan.

Colin Smith

A92 Crossing with the F&B Way

A railway bridge once crossed this road, but today the Formartine 7 Buchan Way descends to ground level. The road is busy with refrigerated fish lorries thundering south from Fraserburgh ("The Broch") to the large UK cities and to France.

Colin Smith

Pond on the F&B Way

This attractive pond is by Kilbirnie Farm, on the Formartine & Buchan Way, west of Lonmay. Water lilies cover the far end of the water while fireweed coats the bank by the old railway line.

Colin Smith

Lonmay village

view from Buchan Line. Lonmay is a fairly scattered community, rather than a unified village, with clumps of housing in about 4 sites. Historical claim to fame - Elvis Presley's ancestor emigrated from this area

Ken Fitlike