1. Starting from the wide main street in Grantown-on-Spey, head up Seafield Avenue next to the Co-op - it is signed for the caravan site. Follow this out of the town and past the caravan site and under the old railway. Immediately after this turn right onto a signed path. Once over the wooden bridge it is possible to detour to the left to view the waterfall, otherwise continue on the Dava Way by going through the kissing gate and up onto the old railway line. Here turn left and follow the line, ignoring any paths off to the side, and soon reaching a cutting.

2. Go through a gate to cross straight over the road leading to Wester Dreggie and continue through the gate on the far side. The route now passes through farmland, crossing another track, and passing close to a house before going over the A939 next Castle Grant East Lodge. The Lodge also functioned as the station for Lady Catherine's Halt, built for nearby Castle Grant. The path narrows and follows a raised embankment through trees. Keep a very sharp eye out for a marker and red and white chain indicating where the railway is left behind for a diversion to the left to avoid private property and a waterlogged section. Follow the path next to the fence until it reaches a track. Turn left here and just before the main road turn right onto a path next to the gatepost which runs alongside the stone wall.

3. The path runs next to the main road for a short while and after a gate turns right along a track. Look out for another gate on the left and follow this path into the trees. At a road, with a fingerpost, turn right, there are good moorland views on this section. Turn left where there is a signed pedestrian gate next to a metal farm gate. Follow this straight path until it goes through a gap in a fence and turns right through pine woods. After a short while it bears right through another gap to rejoin the old railway line - turn left along it here.

4. This bit can sometimes be wet underfoot but soon the trees are left behind. Ignore a track to the left and go straight ahead through a farm gate. Soon another gate leads into a section of forestry plantation. After a short while a metal gate on the right leads to a short detour down to Huntly's Cave crag, a popular climbing spot and a good place for a stop. Pass through a tree-lined cutting before a gate leads to a more open section with sparse pine trees.

5. The narrow path joins a track, still following the old railway line straight ahead as it starts the crossing of Dava Moor. Desolate and bleak in bad weather, the wide open space and remote feel, despite the closeness of the main road, make this a memorable part of the walk. Although the climb is very gentle, the summit (1052 feet/320 metres) is reached soon and marked by a sign facing in the other direction. Continue along the path, passing butts for grouse shooting on the right. To the left Loch Mhic Leoid can be seen, with a few lonely houses dotted about on the moor beyond.

6. A couple of areas of pine trees provide shelter and break up the monotony of this section. On the left evidence of past peat cutting for fuel can be seen. The surface of the track improves as the forest at Dava comes into view. Here the Dava Way deviates from the old railway line to avoid private houses - turn left through a gate to reach a track and turning area. Keep left here to follow a gravel surfaced track down to the main road. If continuing on the Dava Way look out for the signed turning to the right through the trees. If parking or being picked up at the end of this section there is limited space on the grass verge opposite where the track meets the main road, just south of a big shed on the east side of the A939. There is no parking or turning allowed up the track.

Next stage: Dava to Dunphail

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