Dava Way: Dunphail to Forres

Summary

The final stage of the Dava Way runs through a pleasant, pastoral landscape of woods and fields. Still following the old railway line it includes a long embankment giving good views before finally reaching the town of Forres, passing Dallas Dhu distillery.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Level walking on tracks and woodland paths along the line of an old railway. There is a signed diversion from the line at one point and there are also some muddy sections in cuttings.

Getting there

Start

Dunphail car park.

Public Transport

Forres is served by buses and trains; there is only a school bus (open to public) to Dunphail.

Start Grid Ref

NJ014482

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Services

There are no facilities at Dunphail. Forres is a small town with a choice of places eat, hotels and B&B.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 14.25km / 8.75 miles
Time: 3.5 - 4 hours
Ascent: 6m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (3)

Stage 1

There is a car park and picnic area at Dunphail, reached off the A940 beside Edinkillie Community Hall. The Dava Way is joined from the back of the picnic area by the information board. Turn left along the route of the old railway to begin the walk along this stage to Forres. The route soon passes under a bridge carrying the Half Davoch moor road.

Stage 2

There are many gates on this section as the Way passes through grazing land; there are also few waymarkers but the route always keeps straight ahead along the line of the old railway, ignoring tracks off on both sides. Some sections of the Way along here can be muddy underfoot. Pass under Peathillock Bridge, where the Way could be left for a detour to the cafe at Logie Steading and the walk to Randolph's Leap; continue along the line for Forres, along a low embankment.

Stage 3

After four and a half kilometres the route passes into Cowgreens Wood. Follow the markers which lead slightly to the right of the line in the wood to cross a minor road. Beyond, the line leads on through a cutting and then an iron bridge over the Altyre Burn. The original bridge here was removed when the railway was closed and providing a new crossing became the chief barrier to the volunteer group who worked to reopen the line as the Dava Way; the new bridge was eventually built and installed by AJ Engineering of Forres in 2004.

Stage 4

Further on, pass under an arch of the graceful Scurrypool bridge, and then leave the old line just beyond at Squirrel Neuk bridge, using the steps on the left. Cross over the bridge and then follow the track to the left on the far side. This detour away from the old railway avoids a cutting which is usually waterlogged. Keep left at the track junction in the woods to join a better track. Pass through a gate and then fork left again before the track reaches a house. Eventually another waymarked turn on the left leads back to the railway; this section is well waymarked.

Stage 5

The Way now runs along a high earth embankment giving good views over the arable countryside. It crosses a bridge over the Rafford road; a signed path on the right a short distance further on gives access to the road if needed. Further on the Burn of Mosset is seen far below before the embankment descends once more to the level of the land around. Continue straight across a farm track.

Stage 6

On the left side Dallas Dhu distillery can be seen. The distillery closed in 1983 but was taken over by Historic Scotland, who re-opened it in 1988 as a visitor attraction; it is perfectly preserved in working order and makes a fine memorial to traditional distilling. Continue along the line, passing under a bridge before following a ramp up onto Mannachie Avenue in the outskirts of Forres. To reach the town centre turn right along the Avenue, turning right into Mannachie Rise as it bends to the left. Follow the path from the end of the cul-de-sac to emerge on Loch View, then taking the second left onto Sanquhar Road. After passing first the Academy and then the school, this joins Tolbooth Street; the main street is a short distance away to the left.

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