Long distance
Dava Way
Follows the old Highland Railway line from Forres to Grantown-on-Spey over Dava Moor. Short, gentle and a natural link between the Moray Coast Trail and the Speyside Way.
Quick facts
- Distance
- 38 km/ 24 mi
- Typical days
- 2
- Total ascent
- 450 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Start → Finish
- Forres → Grantown-on-Spey
- Best direction
- North to South
✔ Waymarked throughout
Our take
The Dava Way is a two-day bridge route that connects the Moray Coast Trail to the Speyside Way — walk all three for a week-long traverse of the northeast. On its own, it is a pleasant moorland walk along a disused railway. Dava Moor has a wild feel despite the gentle gradient. Grantown-on-Spey is a handsome finish town.
Highlights
- Dava Moor — expansive heather moorland
- Old railway viaducts and cuttings
- Views to the Cairngorms
- Grantown-on-Spey arrival
Day-by-day itinerary
A suggested 2-day schedule. Adjust to your fitness and conditions.
1Forres to Dava20km · 300m ascent
Along the old Highland Railway line from Forres up onto Dava Moor. The landscape changes from farmland to wild open heather moorland.
- Terrain
- Disused railway trackbed, gentle gradient throughout. Moorland.
- Overnight
- Dava has no services. Wild camp on the moor or carry on to Grantown.
- Stats
- Forres → Dava · 20km · ↑300m
2Dava to Grantown-on-Spey18km · 150m ascent
Descend from the moor through forest with Cairngorm views ahead to the handsome planned town of Grantown-on-Spey on the River Spey.
- Terrain
- Disused railway, forest paths, gentle descent.
- Overnight
- Grantown-on-Spey has hotels, B&Bs and the Grant Arms. Connects to the Speyside Way.
- Stats
- Dava → Grantown-on-Spey · 18km · ↑150m
Best months
Accommodation
Hotels at Forres and Grantown-on-Spey. Nothing in between — carry camping gear or do it as a day walk from either end.
Resupply
Shops at Forres and Grantown-on-Spey only. Carry everything for the middle section.
Current conditions
Weather at the start point (Forres)
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:22
- Sunset
- 21:01
- Civil dawn
- 04:34
- Civil dusk
- 21:49
NOAA Solar Calculator · 2 May 2026
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