Mountain Biking
Forres - Dava Way - Newtyle Forest - Romach Reservoir
Having borrowed my mate's border collie, Bertie, me and my four-legged friend are ready for more mountain bike adventure. Bertie goes without a bike, as she finds it quicker that way. At the start of the Dava Way out of Forres, I give the dog the usual "Ready, steady........go!!" and she's off! I take off in pursuit as she flies on ahead. The old railway line (Dava Way) quickly leaves Forres behind as it climbs gently in the direction of Grantown-on-Spey. In less than a mile we pass the well-known Dallas Dhu distillery, which welcomes whisky loving visitors from far and wide. But it's a little bit early in the ride to be thinking of whisky, so we press on. The trail runs straight and flat and we cover the ground quickly. Although I'm an experienced mountain biker and use to riding fast, technical trails, I still enjoy speeding along on the flat, easy stuff. This part of the Dava way is perfect for someone new to mountain biking, or for a family outing. The trail gives a great view of the surrounding countryside and is overhung by trees and plants of all shapes and sizes. There's also plenty of wildlife to look out for. After a while the trail becomes a little more testing with a few small lumps, bumps, ups and downs. Shortly, we turn off the Dava Way into Newtyle Forrest. An Ordnance Survey map is required to find our way through the forest roads which lead to Romach Reservoir. Bertie does a quick map check and points the way ahead. The forest tracks lead steadily up towards Romach Reservoir. Nothing too serious, but the heart rate's definitely increasing and the less fit might find this stretch quite strenuous.
The track which leads down to the reservoir is steep, fast and a welcome reward for the climb. Here we are - Romach Reservoir. A very pleasant, little visited expanse of water surrounded by forest. It's just me and the dog, and the sense of calm and as we look out across the still water feels good. Bertie comments that the reservoir if full of big, tasty fish and I nod absent-mindedly in agreement. Breaking the spell, I click back into the pedals and we're off again. The climb on the other side of the reservoir is quite a pull, but I'm warmed up now and enjoying every minute. We top out after a mile or so and begin a long fast dsecent of about another mile. Great stuff! A short stretch of very quiet, tarmac C road and we're soon back on the forest tracks we headed out on, returning the same way. The last two miles of the Dava Way back to Forres are downhill all the way and we fly. Bertie's beginning to fade a little now, but she's still keen to lead the way. That's it, job done. 17 miles, one smiling mountain biker and one pretty tired dog. That was the kind of ride I could do every week and I know I'll be heading back out on the Dava Way again soon.
Matt Barker - 03/07/07