Upkeep of Dava Way will be made easier thanks to Tesco funding

A group of volunteers has invested £1000 funding in equipment for the upkeep of a popular walk connecting Strathspey with Moray.

Last summer, shoppers chose the Dava Way Association (DWA) for a Tesco Community Grant to help fund powered grass and bush cutting equipment to assist the removal of bushes and shrubs encroaching on paths.

DWA secretary Malcolm Campbell confirmed the money has since been invested in tools and new fencing to maintain the long distance route connecting Forres and Grantown.

He said: "The Dava Way is maintained entirely by volunteers and all costs for materials and tools are met from donations. The generosity of Tesco's customers enabled us to purchase a leaf blower to clear seasonal leaves and debris from the track.

"We used the balance to purchase hand tools and partially fund replacement of a fence at Manacchie Avenue which had been damaged by vandals last November and December. We were very pleased by the work completed by local contractor John Gammie who provided excellent value for money."

The DWA have been conducting working days on the second Saturday of each month, weather permitting.

There have also been numerous ad-hoc work parties for issues such as fallen trees following in recent storms, grass and foliage cutting, surface improvements and more.

Using £1000 funding from Bells whisky distillers, the volunteers are currently laying a floor on AJ's bridge. The metal lattice on the bridge near the Scurry Pool is difficult for some dogs and cyclists to cross.

Later this spring, the DWA will look into hire of a mini-digger to improve drainage in cuttings.

A major project later in the year will be to make the ramp at Dallas Dhu Distillery easier for wheelchairs and buggies to access the Dava Way from the car park. This will go-ahead when the DWA secure funding as the cost will exceed £30,000.

The DWA also plan to improve the section past Dava Station and south to Grantown.

They are discussing how to secure funding and support with the Cairngorm National Park Authority and other potential funders.

The association has launched a new website built by Inverness-based Yellow Cherry Digital using funding from Finderne Development Trust.

"We are trying to recruit new volunteers to help maintain the path and the website," said Malcolm. "Many of our current team are retired and we need younger volunteers with different skills to join our group."

Finally the DWA plan to run their annual Ghost Walk overnight on June 25-26.

"1st Forres Scouts will provide snacks at Dava and cook breakfast at Dunphail," said Malcolm. "The entry cost will be £30 to cover transport from Forres to Grantown, snacks and breakfast.

"We hope the event will be bigger and better than ever!"

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