North East Scotland Coastal Trust
Connecting Scotland’s north-east coast
The North East Scotland Coastal Trust is working with communities to develop The Doric Way, a proposed 150-mile coastal trail between Montrose and Cullen.
We’re bringing existing paths, local trails and quieter routes together, making more of the coastline easier to explore on foot and supporting communities and businesses along the way.
The bigger picture
A coastal trail from Montrose to Cullen
We’re joining existing paths, local trails, pavements, tracks and quiet routes into a clearer, more connected journey along the north-east coast.
In some places, people already enjoy well-established routes. In others, we’re working to improve difficult stretches or create missing links. The map shows the wider ambition and the communities we’re working to connect.
Find out more about the route
Route progress
Better local connections now. A continuous route over time.
Progress is already being made. We’re developing The Doric Way section by section with communities, landowners and land managers, councils and local organisations. Each improvement is adding value in its own right while helping the wider trail take shape.
We’re repairing paths, improving signs, managing vegetation and strengthening local connections. We’re also doing the less visible work that makes those improvements possible: listening locally, surveying routes, agreeing access, securing funding and planning for long-term care.
Listening locally
Understanding priorities, concerns and opportunities from the people who know each place.
Planning carefully
Researching routes and considering access, safety, wildlife, land management and maintenance.
Making improvements
Repairing paths, improving surfaces, managing vegetation and creating clearer connections.
Building the wider trail
Joining local progress into a trail that connects communities along the whole coast.
Be part of the project
A route shaped with the people who know the coast
Progress on The Doric Way depends on local knowledge, practical conversations and cooperation with the people who live, work, own or manage land and care for places along the route.
We’re grateful for every conversation, every piece of local knowledge and every offer of help. It helps us understand local priorities and shape the route with the people who know the coast best.
About NESCAT
The charity helping make The Doric Way happen
NESCAT is an independent charity established in 2025. We bring people together, support practical coastal projects and help turn a long-held regional ambition into lasting benefits for people, places and nature.