Grantown on Spey to Dava

The Dava Way links Grantown on Spey with Forres mainly on an old railway, passing through varied countryside including open heather moorland. It is possible to use this route to link with the Speyside Way to make a long distance circular route.

Terrain

Good level path mainly on old railway line with some wet sections and narrow paths through woodland in places.

Public Transport

Buses to Grantown on Spey, no public transport to Dava.

Start

Grantown on Spey . Map and directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 13.5km / 8.5 miles
Time: 3.5 - 4 hours
Ascent: 125m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NJ032278

Maps / GPS

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Walk Description

Stage 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 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.

Stage 2

There is a slight break in the old railway line as it crosses the road leading to Wester Dreggie just follow the signs to continue in the same direction. The route now passes through farmland, crossing another track, and passing close to a house before going over the A939 next to Castle Grant East Lodge. The Lodge also functioned as the station for Lady Catherine's Halt, built for nearby Castle Grant. The follows a raised embankment and soon leaves the railway and heads down to the left and then skirts the wooded edge of a field before reaching a track. Turn left here and just before the main road turn right onto a signed path.

Stage 3

The path meanders through the trees and then through two gates to cross a track before continuing in the woods. Turn right at the next track and soon take the signed left and follow the surfaced path through pine trees, look out for pine martens who have been spotted in this area. Soon it descends to return to the line of the old railway, turn left along it here.

Stage 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 the route heads into a section of forestry plantation. After a short while a path on the right leads to an optional short detour down to Huntly's Cave crag, a popular climbing spot and a good place for a stop. Otherwise, pass through a tree-lined cutting before a gate leads to a more open section with sparse pine trees.

Stage 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. Pass the wooden Red Coat who is heading to fight the Jacobites at the battle of Cromdale in 1690. 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.

Stage 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. (Dava's B&B is around 650m to the left from here). 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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