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Dava Way

Peatburner

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As it's the "tattie holidays" up here, I had a plan to do the Dava Way which starts in Grantown and ends in Forres 24 miles centre to centre. (October holidays are known as tattie hols because we used to pick tatties during them before machinery took over).
I could get a bus from Elgin to Grantown which arrived 10.35 so a quick stock up from the Coop and it was onwards to the start.
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The weather was fine to begin with as I reached the first point of interest Lady Catherine's Halt which is the entrance to the grounds of Castle Grant.
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Going onwards it was uphill,( they had to use 2 engines to pull the carriages) with the next interest marked as Huntly's Cave which wasn't far from the main path and worth a visit.
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Now it started to drizzle, which I didn't mind, then it got heavier and waterproofs were required as I headed out onto the open moor which did feel very exposed if you weren't prepared.
I stopped for a quick sandwich and coffee.
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Feeling better I got going again and was keen to get past the open moor section.
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Your never far from a place of interest which is good and bad as I was feeling the weight of my pack and I prefer to just keep on going till I stop.
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Dava was the last inhabited place for a while and I was planning to camp in the shadow of the Knock of Braemoray which is the most remote section and wild camping is advised there.
I reached the halfway but and there was information on safe water source nearby which I used with mini Sawyer then kept on till I found a good camp spot.
 
Looks braw Peat, another wee trail I hadn't even heard of. Looking forward to the rest of the trip.
 
As it's the "tattie holidays" up here, I had a plan to do the Dava Way which starts in Grantown and ends in Forres 24 miles centre to centre. (October holidays are known as tattie hols because we used to pick tatties during them before machinery took over).
I could get a bus from Elgin to Grantown which arrived 10.35 so a quick stock up from the Coop and it was onwards to the start.
View attachment 19431
The weather was fine to begin with as I reached the first point of interest Lady Catherine's Halt which is the entrance to the grounds of Castle Grant.
View attachment 19432View attachment 19433View attachment 19434
Going onwards it was uphill,( they had to use 2 engines to pull the carriages) with the next interest marked as Huntly's Cave which wasn't far from the main path and worth a visit.
View attachment 19435View attachment 19436View attachment 19437
Now it started to drizzle, which I didn't mind, then it got heavier and waterproofs were required as I headed out onto the open moor which did feel very exposed if you weren't prepared.
I stopped for a quick sandwich and coffee.
View attachment 19438
Feeling better I got going again and was keen to get past the open moor section.
View attachment 19439View attachment 19440View attachment 19441
Your never far from a place of interest which is good and bad as I was feeling the weight of my pack and I prefer to just keep on going till I stop.
View attachment 19442View attachment 19443View attachment 19444

Dava was the last inhabited place for a while and I was planning to camp in the shadow of the Knock of Braemoray which is the most remote section and wild camping is advised there.
I reached the halfway but and there was information on safe water source nearby which I used with mini Sawyer then kept on till I found a good camp spot.
Oh to be young again, it takes me back to the times I used to do the Lyke Wake walk. Start at Osmotherley, over night at the white lion on Blakey Ridge staying in the field behind the pub then on to Ravenscar the next day.40 miles all in
 
Oh to be young again, it takes me back to the times I used to do the Lyke Wake walk. Start at Osmotherley, over night at the white lion on Blakey Ridge staying in the field behind the pub then on to Ravenscar the next day.40 miles all in

Lyke Wake Dirge...……...Pentangle

(ok, back in my box...)
 
Dava Way (part 2),
So....... I found a great camp spot just off the way, beside some trees and flat with water near.
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I got the tent up then used a small twig stove t o boil water for a pasta pouch which wasn't great but filled me up. The dark was falling and I had a beer followed by a dram to toast the ghosts and then bedded by 8.
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The night was cold and I was woken at 12 so pulled on a down jacket and then slept till 7.30.
I managed to catch the sunrise then had porridge and coffee before packing up leaving no trace.
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I then got going again on a lovely sunny morning.
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After Bogney I cracked on towards the Divie viaduct.
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I then carried on simply enjoyed the surroundings only stopping for some noodles with added pancakes for energy.
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Then it wasn't far to Dallas Dhu on the outskirts of Forres.
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I arrived in Forres around 2.00 and went for a welcomed steam and sauna at the swimming pool.( The nice attendant agreed to leave my pack in reception as long as it didn't tick) Then I went to the pub for a pint while my better half came to pick me up.
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I learned much from this walk and hope to more in the future
 

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Oh to be young again, it takes me back to the times I used to do the Lyke Wake walk. Start at Osmotherley, over night at the white lion on Blakey Ridge staying in the field behind the pub then on to Ravenscar the next day.40 miles all in
That's what I'm hoping to build up to Joe 👍.
 
Awesome part 2 Peat :thumbsup:

In your opinion........do you think "Mrs Mc Donald" had a wee dram or two when she saw that Grey Train steaming along........2 foot in the air?? ;):D
 
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