The Dava Way

The Dava Way stretches over 38 kilometres from Grantown-on-Spey in the Cairngorms National Park to the fine country town of Forres in the county of Moray. Mostly following the line of the old Highland Railway Line, it provides traffic-free walking and has a fine gradation of scenery from the Spey at Grantown, through the bleak and empty moorlands around Dava and on into a long descent through the more fertile and pastoral landscapes of Moray around Forres.

The route also provides a key link between two other Long Distance walks. At Grantown it connects with the Speyside Way, whilst Forres is the start of the Moray Coast Trail. As the Moray Coast Trail also meets the Speyside Way at Spey Bay, the three routes together provide the opportunity to make a fine circular route - known as the Moray Way.

Stage descriptions	Length	Time	Done
Grantown on Spey to Dava	13.5km	3½-4 hours
Dava to Dunphail	10.5km	2½-3 hours
Dunphail to Forres	14.25km	3½-4 hours

THE CHALLENGE

The Way follows the route of the old railway for almost the complete distance and so provide very gentle gradients, though the surface can be a little muddy in places. The main challenge for many walkers is that there is only accommodation available at the start and end of the route, though road access is possible at the end of each of the stages as described and there is a school bus service between Forres and Dunphail. This means that some walkers may attempt to walk the whole way in a single day.