Donnie Campbell is no stranger to setting Fastest Known Times. His latest FKT is his shortest to date – the 100-mile Moray Way in Scotland. Donnie rode the route on October 13, 2025, in a time of five hours, 48 minutes and 43 seconds. The second fastest time is held by Neil Griffiths in 6:04:46.
The female fastest time has been set by Sam Kerr in 9:38:14 on October 16, 2025.
Donnie has set a number of records:
Donnie is a former holder of the fastest time for a Munro Round.
Donnie reclaims Badger Divide FKT North to South.
Donnie sets An Turas Mor cycling record.
Donnie breaks record for a winter Ramsay Round.
What is the Moray Way?
The Moray Way is a long-distance circular route in the Moray area of north-east Scotland. It is 100 miles (160km) and combines the entire route of the Dava Way, two-thirds of the Moray Coast Trail and around half of the Speyside Way to create a loop of a 100 miles (160km).
The idea for a cycling route of the Moray Way came from the Moray Gravel Collective, which was formed by Mark Madigan and friends. The collective aims to promote the area for off-road, gravel and adventure cycling in the region, and beyond.
Mark said: “The Moray Gravel Collective has spent the last few years refining the loop to make it ideal for gravel bikes. We have removed hike-a-bike sections, added new sections, such as the Ordiequish Trail Centre, and made other adjustments to create what we feel is the perfect 100-mile off-road trail.
“We think that The Moray Way showcases an incredible mix of terrain, from sandy dunes to high moorlands and everything in between. Riders often tackle it as a two to three day bikepacking trip, while others aim to complete it in a single big day.”
In September this year, Mark set a benchmark time for an FKT of the Moray Way in 6:06:42, then Neil set a faster time by a couple of minutes.
Mark said: “After seeing other long-distance trails gain popularity, I wanted to establish a benchmark time following FKT rules to see what’s possible. We plan to create a dedicated page on our website to track official FKT times for this route.”
In addition, the Moray Way has also been recognised as an official route on the FKT website.
Mark added: “One of the main goals behind Moray Gravel Collective and our event, The MorayRaid, has been to highlight how good the gravel riding is here in Morayshire – and to support the amazing cafés and local businesses along the way.
“It’s only been a few weeks since launching, but there’s already been a buzz, especialy with riders like Donnie putting in strong efforts and others planning bikepacking trips for next year.
“We’re really hoping it continues to grow in popularity, which can only be a positive thing for both the local area and cycling in general.”
What is the Moray Way like?
The route, which starts and finishes in Lossiemouth, best suits gravel bikes, or fast rolling XC bikes. It takes in a range of terrain from coastal single track to old railway lines heading towards the Cairngorms and includes around 1300m of total ascent. Most of the route is off-road with only small sections of linking tarmac. All trails are on ways, forestry commission land or road with full access.
Donnie’s new FKT on The Moray Way
Donnie, of Inverness, had been hoping to take part in Gravelfoyle 10 but it was cancelled due to Storm Amy. He had heard about the Moray Way FKT and decided it would be a perfect “end of season” challenge. Donnie said: “After the Gravelfoyle 10 was cancelled the other weekend due to the storm I felt I had one more big effort in me this season before I take a wee break.
”I’d spotted that Mark had put down a benchmark on the Moray Way route and I knew that it was something I wanted to try, especially as it’s so local to me. I decided to make the most of the settled weather and see if I could beat Neil Griffith’s fastest time. I managed to take 15 minutes off his time and set a new FKT , which I was very happy with.”
Donnie described the FKT as ” a good morning’s ride”. He added: “It was uneventful apart from a couple of small wrong turns and, overall, it all went very well.
“I have not done an FKT as short as this one. I have raced shorter distances but my other FKTs are far longer. This meant I wasn’t sure how to pace it but, in the end, it felt like a controlled hard effort, where I never felt close to bonking or going over my limit. I really enjoyed it.”
Donnie’s favourite section was riding along the Moray coastline. He said: “It was really beautiful so close to the shore.” He found the Dave Way section, which follows old railway lines, less exciting. He said: “When the route was flatter or less scenic I put my head down and pushed on the pedals. I was able to do this on the Dave Way and some sections of the Speyside Way. There was more singletrack along the coast, which I really enjoyed.
“I recorded a total distance of 162km and 1334m of ascent, so it’s quite a flat route compared to many I have done before. It’s a great FKT route and I am really happy we have another FKR route in the Highlands.”
Donnie Campbell at Loch and Land Festival
Donnie is a guest speaker at the Loch and Land Festival at Tiso Cafe, Inverness, on FridayOctober 24 from 7pm to 9pm. You can buy tickets.
*There are also a number of Moray Way running events, including the Moray Way 100 Relay.