Paths and Outdoor Access in Moray
Routes with varied terrain which will appeal to the more experienced outdoor person. Typically a full day activity.
Ben Avon is the most easterly mountain of the main Cairngorm range. It occupies a vast area to the north-east of Glen Quoich stretching towards Inchrory and the River Gairn, and it is recognisable from many viewpoints across Moray by the granite tors on the skyline of its long flat plateau.
The Dava Way is a 23 mile trail across the ancient Celtic province of Morayshire between the historic towns of Forres and Grantown-on-Spey. The route links Strathspey and the Cairngorms National Park with the Moray Coast in North East Scotland. Almost all of the route follows the old Highland Railway line and is off road and safe from traffic.
WALKING - The surface is varied, mostly firm and good, but it can be wet and rough in places. All of it is fine for walking. CYCLING - The Dava Way can be used as an ‘off road’ cycling route, as most of it is over a firm but rough surface.
The surface of the path is generally compacted track-bed material, rough and rutted in places, and is good for walking and 'off-road’ cycling. Depending on the weather, stretches may be wet but the Dava Way Volunteers have installed new drains and this has improved the paths.
The route has a very gradual gradient which rises on the Dava Moor to 320m (1050ft) above sea level at its highest point.
A circular walk via Craigellachie and Aberlour for the more enthusiastic walker looking for some adventure. Initially follow Balvenie Street to the Railway Station. Walk along the platform to the left and cross the road into the car park to join the “Spur” to the Speyside Way.
A route for the more energetic walker and cyclist.
Mostly surfaced access tracks particularly in lowland section with some grassy paths through fields. Rough in places
Considerable gradients to the summit of the Gownie Path at a height of around 1000ft.
This 13 mile route has a great variety in scenery and setting, and you will always be rewarded with natural beauty wherever you are on the path. The route follows the valley of the infant River Isla, which rises in the hills above Drummuir on its way to Keith and the Moray Coast beyond.
All of the route can be used for walking, cycling, and horseriding.
Surfaces are generally sound including tar, gravel and earth paths. In places the trail follows narrow tarmac public roads, and road pavements through Dufftown and Keith. Sections of the paths will be muddy when wet.
The route climbs to around 300 metres (1,000ft) above sea level. Total height climbed is modest at around 240 metres (780 ft). Slopes are generally easy, although there are a couple of steep sections to be negotiated.
The coastline and settlements of Moray are linked by a waymarked coastal trail of approximately 50 miles from Findhorn to Cullen and all the places between. The route can be extended from Findhorn to Forres along a section of cycle route.
Many sections of the route can be used for cycling and horseriding in addition to walking. In wilder locations the path can be steep and rough in places, which would restrict access. Generally the route is most accessible in the vicinity of the coastal settlements. Less able users should concentrate on using these sections.
There are varied surfaces including tar, gravel and earth paths, with some beach and rock sections. In places the trail follows pavements through the towns and villages, whilst in other areas the route uses rough tracks along the coastal clifftops and forests.
Generally level with some short steep climbs in places.
The Moray Way is Moray’s unique long-distance circular route, which follows the Moray Firth coast, crosses over moorland and tracks the river Spey. Few walks can match the range of scenery and wildlife found along the Moray Way. It can be walked comfortably in five to nine days.
Once you have completed the full route, why not claim your free “I WALKED AROUND THE MORAY WAY” certificate and celebrate your achievement by buying a pair of Moray Way socks?
The route is primarily promoted for walking. Sections which make use of old railway lines are suitable for mountain bikes. The beach sections of the Way are ideal for horse riding. Sections of the Speyside Way along the old railway are suitable for horse riding. Cycling and horse riding on other sections of the way is not recommended due to physical condition and consideration for other users.
There are a wide variety of surface types that make up the route ranging from sandy dunes to minor metalled roads.
The Moray Coast Trail section is mostly flat with a rougher section between Burghead and Lossiemouth. The Dava Way involves gentle ascent and decent following the old railway line. The Speyside Way is mostly flat where it follows minor roads, tracks and an old railway, but has steep sections at Ben Aigen and near Cromdale.
The Speyside Way is one of Scotland’s four official Long Distance Routes (LDRs). It runs between Aviemore, at the heart of Strathspey, 66 miles to Buckie, on the Moray Firth. The route passes through some of Scotland’s most beautiful landscapes; by rivers and mountains, over moorland and along forest paths. It includes a spur to Tomintoul, an additional 15 miles.
All of the route suitable for walkers. The route between Fochabers and Ballindalloch and between Nethy Bridge and Aviemore is suitable for cycling. The route is suitable for horseriding between Craigellachie and Ballindalloch.
The route offers mainly easy walking on low ground (a mixture of seashore, river valley, old railway and moorland). It should be noted that the section between Ballindalloch and Grantown is more strenuous and the Tomintoul Spur is also steeper and passes through very exposed locations.
Most of the route is fairly level with some gentle slopes, although there are some steeper sections between Ballindalloch and Grantown. The Tomintoul Spur climbs to around 1,800ft above sea level at two locations.