 While in operation, the railway was used by the British Royal Family during travel to their Scottish retreat at Balmoral, hence the local name the "Royal Deeside Line".Interest in using the route for recreational purposes for pedestrians and cyclists began in 1971 with the publication of the Parham Report; in 1992 Kincardine and Deeside District Council undertook a feasibility study into creating the Deeside Way.Some parts of the line were acquired for public ownership and the route has been developed in sections over the years.