Ghost Train Walk 2025 Report
The latest biennial Dava Way Ghost Train Walk was held over the weekend 21/22 June 2025. The event is run primarily as a fundraising event for the Dava Way Association, but it is also a fun event for the participants and volunteers.
Organising it is a major task for the Association and, as in recent ghost walks, DWA volunteers were supported by other organisations:
The Community Off-Road Transport Action Group (COTAG) provided communications and safety and recovery patrols while the 1st Forres Scouts provided refreshments at Dava Station, a breakfast bun at Dunphail Station and some even transmuted into ghosts and ghouls to haunt the track.
On the Saturday evening between 8:15 PM and 9:15 PM, “Rail Replacement Buses” departed Roysvale Park Forres transporting nearly 200 passengers to Grantown to join the 2025 Dava way Ghost Train Walk.
At Grantown, they were met by the “Station Master”, Neil Sinclair, who warned them about the ghostly history of the line and that he hoped they would all survive any “ghostly” experiences on Dava Moor.
The weather was kind to the walkers again this year. It was a mild night and the rain held off (mostly), however there was no moon and it was extremely dark. “Ghosts and ghouls” took full advantage of the darkness and frequent shrieks of fright were heard as walkers entered dark wooded areas.
As always, a highlight of the walk was the rest stop at Edinkillie Hall (Dunphail Station) where a breakfast roll was served. Always popular, each MacLean’s roll was filled with a choice of bacon or sausage from Murdoch Bros.
All but a few walkers completed the 23 mile walk with the final group reaching the terminus at Dallas Dhu distillery just before 0830. All finishers were presented with a medal. For those that “pulled the emergency cord”, transport was provided back to Forres.
This was another successful event enjoyed by all who took part. Profits were shared by DWA, COTAG and the Scouts. DWA used its share to purchase material to maintain and repair the track and has put some aside for replacement tools and future projects.
Plans are already being made to hold the next Ghost Train Walk on weekend of 12/13 June 2027.
Below are a few photographs by Andy Williams to give you an taste of the event.
