Can I ride the Dava Way in both directions?

Yes, but the Grantown-to-Forres direction is recommended. North-to-south is a gentle climb — manageable but loses the effortless downhill momentum. Many riders combine with the Speyside Way for a multi-day loop.

Is the surface suitable for a hybrid bike?

Yes — the Dava Way is one of the few routes suitable for any bike with tyres 28mm or wider. A hybrid or even a touring bike with slick tyres works well. Road racing bikes with tyres below 25mm may struggle on the rougher moor sections.

Where does the route actually start?

The official start is the car park at Grantown-on-Spey off the A95. Follow signs for the Dava Way on the west side of the town. The first 2km passes through town before the railway path begins properly.

Are there toilets on route?

Public toilets in Grantown-on-Spey at the car park start. No facilities on the moor or in Dunphail. Forres has public toilets in the town centre.

Gravel Cycling

Dava Way

A lost Highland railway descending 260m from moorland to Speyside on smooth gravel

Quick facts

Distance: 37 km (23 mi)
Ascent: 120 m
Difficulty: Easy
Route type: Linear
Archetype: Railway Path
Region: Speyside & Moray
Start point: Grantown-on-Spey
Grid ref: NJ 034 271
Parking: PH26 3HF
Midges: Low
Dogs: Off-lead OK

Best months

Surface breakdown

Railway path90%
Tarmac single-track10%

Recommended bikes: Road bike (ideal), Gravel bike, E-bike· Tyres: 28mm road or wider

About this route

The Dava Way follows the trackbed of the Highland Railway's main line between Perth and Inverness, a route abandoned in 1965 when Dr Beeching's axe fell on the Highland network. The line climbed to 343m across the Dava Moor — one of the bleakest upland bogs in Scotland — before descending through the wooded valleys of Moray to Forres on the Moray Firth coast. Ridden north from Grantown, the 37km is almost entirely downhill: a gradient rarely exceeding 1:50 that makes it one of Scotland's most effortlessly enjoyable rail trail rides.

The surface is outstanding — smooth compacted gravel maintained by the Dava Way Association — and the experience shifts completely as you descend. The open moor section at the summit is windswept and treeless, with views south to the Cairngorms and north to the coast. Below Dunphail the path enters wooded gorge country, the old railway cuttings holding moss and fern, the bridges crossing burns in full spate after rain. Forres arrival is sudden: Victorian terraces appear and the railway path feeds onto the town's riverside walk.

Highlights

Dava Summit (343m) — the highest point, with a restored milepost and views to Ben Rinnes
Dunphail Viaduct — stone arches over the River Divie, excellent for photos
The wooded Divie gorge below Edinkillie — beech woodland with wild garlic in May
Restored platform at Dava station — the old station building still stands
Forres end: the Witch's Stone in the town centre marks the end of the trail tradition

Key waypoints

1. Grantown-on-Spey
2. Dava Summit (343m)
3. Dunphail
4. Edinkillie
5. Forres

Cafés & pubs on route

· Café Mambo, Grantown-on-Spey
· Red Poppy Restaurant, Forres

Named climbs

None significant — net downhill Grantown to Forres

Notable descents

Long Dava Moor descent (10km, 200m)

Accessibility

The Dava Way follows a former railway alignment — 90% railway path, with gradients typically below 1:50. This makes it accessible to Road bike, Gravel bike, E-bike. The path is shared with walkers and dog-walkers — use a bell and slow near pedestrians, particularly near Grantown-on-Spey and Dunphail.

Route notes

Ride north (Grantown to Forres) for the net downhill. The return by bus is possible — Stagecoach 34 runs Forres to Grantown, bikes in hold with notice. The Dava Moor section is completely exposed — check the forecast before heading out as it can be savage in wind. Take extra layers.

Year-round conditions

Best April–October. The Dava Moor can be waterlogged in winter and the surface becomes soft. Autumn colour in the Divie gorge section is spectacular in October. Snow on the moor summit is likely November–March. Spring brings curlew calls on the open moor — a sound unlike anywhere else.

Key hazards

Exposed moor section — strong winds common, no shelter for 8km
Limited signal on the moor
Some bridges have low parapets — no issue on bike but be aware with children

Water sources on route

Dava burn crossings midroute
Mosset Burn near Forres

Always filter or treat water from natural sources. Carry at least 1L reserve on remote sections.

OS map sheets

OS 419OS 420

Nearest hill

Ben Rinnes

840m · cairngorms

View hill

Nearest bothy

Ryvoan Bothy

Walk-in: 3 km · cairngorms

View bothy

Daylight Today

17h 48mwalking daylight

Sunrise: 05:07
Sunset: 21:15
Civil dawn: 04:17
Civil dusk: 22:05

NOAA Solar Calculator · 9 May 2026

Common questions

Can I ride the Dava Way in both directions?: Yes, but the Grantown-to-Forres direction is recommended. North-to-south is a gentle climb — manageable but loses the effortless downhill momentum. Many riders combine with the Speyside Way for a multi-day loop.
Is the surface suitable for a hybrid bike?: Yes — the Dava Way is one of the few routes suitable for any bike with tyres 28mm or wider. A hybrid or even a touring bike with slick tyres works well. Road racing bikes with tyres below 25mm may struggle on the rougher moor sections.
Where does the route actually start?: The official start is the car park at Grantown-on-Spey off the A95. Follow signs for the Dava Way on the west side of the town. The first 2km passes through town before the railway path begins properly.
Are there toilets on route?: Public toilets in Grantown-on-Spey at the car park start. No facilities on the moor or in Dunphail. Forres has public toilets in the town centre.