Dava Way
A 24-mile historic railway path through Speyside and Moray, perfect for walking, cycling, and running with stunning Scottish scenery.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Blissfully quiet and peaceful
Dava Way
Best Time
Blissfully quiet and peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 24-mile historic railway path through Speyside and Moray, perfect for walking, cycling, and running with stunning Scottish scenery.
"Absolutely lovely route to cycle run or walk. Great for dogs and dogs much to explore along the way."
🐾 Dog-Friendly Adventures
The Dava Way is great for dogs, offering plenty of space to explore.
🚴♀️ Cycling & Running Routes
Ideal for off-road cycling and running, especially during ultra-marathon events.
Quick Facts
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Old Highland Railway Line
A historic 24-mile path offering stunning Scottish landscapes, ideal for cycling, running, or walking.
Huntly's Cave
4 miles north of Grantown-on-Spey
A unique spot to rest and enjoy panoramic views, with a head for heights recommended.
Forres to Grantown-on-Spey
Journey between two historic towns, experiencing the diverse beauty of Speyside and Moray.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Trail
Event Awareness
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 Dog-Friendly Adventures
The Dava Way is great for dogs, offering plenty of space to explore.
🚴♀️ Cycling & Running Routes
Ideal for off-road cycling and running, especially during ultra-marathon events.
🚶♂️ Walk the Historic Line
Enjoy a peaceful walk along the old Highland Railway line, a truly scenic experience.
📅 Check Event Schedules
Be aware of ultra-marathons to plan your visit or join the excitement.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Dog-Friendly Adventures
The Dava Way is great for dogs, offering plenty of space to explore.
🚴♀️ Cycling & Running Routes
Ideal for off-road cycling and running, especially during ultra-marathon events.
🚶♂️ Walk the Historic Line
Enjoy a peaceful walk along the old Highland Railway line, a truly scenic experience.
📅 Check Event Schedules
Be aware of ultra-marathons to plan your visit or join the excitement.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Dava Way's scenic beauty and historical charm, praising its accessibility for walking, cycling, and running. It's a peaceful escape into the Scottish countryside, though amenities are limited, requiring some self-sufficiency.
"The Dava Way is recognised as one of Scotland’s Great Trails and is unquestionably one of the country’s finest long-distance walking and off-road cycling routes. It follows the old Highland Railway line for 24 miles (38 km) between the historic towns of Forres and Grantown-on-Spey.
Absolutely lovely route to cycle run or walk. Great for dogs and dogs much to explore along the way."
Matt Hart
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Dava Way stretches between Forres and Grantown-on-Spey. You can start from either town. Forres is accessible by train, and Grantown-on-Spey has bus services.
Parking is available in both Forres and Grantown-on-Spey. There are also smaller access points along the route, but these may have limited parking.
While the Dava Way itself is a trail, you can reach its endpoints via public transport. Forres has a train station, and buses serve Grantown-on-Spey.
Many enjoy cycling or running the Dava Way due to its flat, former railway line terrain. Walking is also a popular and rewarding option.
Starting from Forres or Grantown-on-Spey provides a full Dava Way experience. Huntly's Cave is a notable point of interest about 4 miles north of Grantown.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Dava Way is a public trail and does not require tickets for general access.
There are no entry fees to walk, cycle, or run on the Dava Way.
The Dava Way is accessible at all times, as it is an open trail.
Some local guides offer tours, particularly for groups interested in specific aspects of the trail or region.
If an event like the Dava Way Ultra is taking place, be aware of increased foot traffic and potential temporary route diversions.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Dava Way is primarily a flat, well-maintained path following the old Highland Railway line, making it easy to traverse.
Yes, the Dava Way is very family-friendly due to its gentle gradient and clear path. It's great for walks with children.
Facilities are limited along the trail itself. It's best to use restrooms in Forres or Grantown-on-Spey before you start.
Look for scenic viewpoints, especially around Huntly's Cave, and the expansive landscapes of Speyside and Moray.
Yes, the Dava Way is an excellent route for cycling, offering a continuous off-road path for 24 miles.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for landscape photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
Huntly's Cave provides a unique perspective, and the open stretches of the former railway line offer sweeping views of the Scottish countryside.
A versatile lens for landscapes and potentially a wider-angle lens would be beneficial. Consider a lightweight setup for cycling or running.
While not guaranteed, the natural surroundings offer opportunities to photograph local flora and fauna.
Experiment with different angles, perhaps from a bike or during an event, to capture the dynamic nature of the trail.
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