On the Moray Coast Trail
The 5 Day Challenge route, made up of the Speyside Way, Dava Way and the Moray Coastal Trail, takes place from Thursday 19 to Monday 23 June with participants being picked up, each day, from the end point of each section and transported to the start of the walk. Then the walkers simply need to get back to their car at their own leisure, along the way marked paths.
Organiser Pete Mitchell said, “The Moray Way takes in the very best of the regions landscape from the foothills of the Cairngorm Mountains to Moray’s award winning coastline and the whisky lined Speyside Way. Along the route food establishments have very generously got involved by providing free hot drinks to all those taking part when they present their participants Moray Way 5 Day Challenge Passport.
“The route, which is normally an 8 to 9 day leisurely walk, will see participants covering a challenging 14 to 20 miles a day through a varying landscape that is full of history, nature and geology. Walkers will first complete the Dava Way, the old disused Highland Railway line which links the Cairngorm National Park with the Moray Firth coast. Following the Moray Coastal Path, where dolphins, seals, fulmars and ospreys can be seen, to Garmouth the route then reaches the majestic Speyside Way. Walkers then head back South up the Spey one of the best fishing rivers in the UK and of course the source of many a fine whisky along the route.
“I set this event up as I know what a hassle it can be to get back to your car on a long distance walk. This simple park and ride system will allow participants to enjoy the breathtaking scenery without worrying about getting back in time to catch a bus or call a taxi.”
There are 50 spaces available for a one off cost of £50 but the organisers will accommodate more if there is interest. For more information about the challenge see the festival FB page.