Endings and Beginnings
The last section of my walk on the Moray Way was from Calashdhu to Forres. It’s a relatively easy walk through forest, farmland, and town. I walked with some members of the Moray Way Association and the artist Norma Hunter. Norma is the new artist in residence for the Moray Way Association, and it seemed a fitting gesture to end my walk when she had just begun. (Norma and Artist/Producer Diane Smith will announce the next residency soon.)
Our walk towards Forres began at Clashdhu Crossing, and we followed a path between two forests, the Altyre woods and Newtyle woods. However, this was not just a forest walk because the surrounding land around Forres has a mix of uses. I think a walk near the edge of town is an unpredictable experience. I feel a tension created by walking amongst a mixture of things. It’s a random assortment of encounters and a collective mix. Each footstep was a different encounter. For example,
Plants, trees, rivers, tracks… bridges… birds, squirrels, sheep, horses, dogs, farms… people… benches, gates, bicycles, cars, motorbikes… distillery… houses, streets and pavements…
I was amongst the random flow of life happening at the edge of a town, and I began to think about my journey along the Moray Way. It was far more than just a walk. I gained knowledge of the area, and I met a community. Unexpectedly, I discovered the people who walk the Moray Way are not just walking tourists. Locals use the route for access and leisure activities, some on foot, bike, and even horseback.
Now my Moray Way adventure is almost complete, it’s time to reflect on the experience. I have become more confident in my ability to cover long distances and in various weather conditions. It’s true what they say about Scotland; you can experience many seasons in one day and sometimes within an hour. My walks happened in the sunshine, rain, snow, and even an equinox storm. I’m a slow walker who is easily distracted with a poor sense of direction. These challenges are not a problem on the Moray Way. The route has signposts on the pathways, landmarks help you locate yourself within the landscape, and many sections of the walk pass through towns and villages.
I have walked the 100mile circular route from Forres along the coastline, up the River Spey and down the Dava. Now the only thing left to do is visit Forres Tolbooth, grab a pie from Maclean’s Highland Bakery and then walk back!
For more information about the Moray Way, click on the link below.