Strathspey Railway

The Strathspey Railway, located in the Scottish Highlands, is a significant piece of Scotland's historical and cultural identity. Serving as more than just a transportation system, it's a functional, real-world history lesson, complete with vintage steam engines and restored carriages.

Situated in the Cairngorms National Park, the Strathspey Railway is a short yet scenic ten-mile journey that offers a glimpse into the region's past. This railway is a testament to the region's history and is a major tourist attraction.

A ride on the Strathspey Railway is more than a simple train trip. It's an opportunity to step back in time and experience a piece of the area's history. The route provides stunning views of the Scottish landscape and gives passengers an insight into a time when railways were the region's primary means of transport.

In this article, we will look at the history of the Strathspey Railway, its restoration, how it operates today, and its impact on local tourism. From its beginnings in the Victorian era to its current status as a heritage railway, the Strathspey Railway's story is an important part of Scotland's rich history.

What is the Strathspey Steam Railway?

The Strathspey Railway is a heritage railway in Scotland that operates a 10-mile route between Aviemore, Boat of Garten and Broomhill. The line is an integral part of the area's history and has been restored to reflect its original condition from the 1950s, complete with vintage locomotives and carriages. The staff even wear period clothing!

The experience includes views of the Cairngorm Mountains and the River Spey while travelling through the Spey Valley.

Our visit to Strathspey Railway

Staying in Aviemore, we could hear the train horns regularly from our accommodation at Scandinavian Village, a short distance from Aviemore Railway Station. After a quick check of the Strathspey Railway website, we decided to go and see the train when it next arrived in Aviemore.

Strathspey Railway has its own dedicated railway line at the station's east side, which can be accessed from the east side road or from the Grampian Road/Aviemore Railway station side via a footbridge that crosses the main railway line.

Accessing the platform

Arriving at the rustic wee ticket/booking office, we discovered that it was possible to purchase a platform-only ticket for 50p; this seemed like a bargain, so my mother, brother, and I all bought a ticket to see the steam train arrive and leave.

The station here is immaculately kept and retains many original features from that time, including a ladies' waiting room.

 

The arrival of the steam train

We could hear the train before we saw it, keen to get a picture of it arriving in Aviemore. I was at the ready with my camera. Annoyingly the train came in backwards, so I didn't get that particular photo!

 

The steam train reversed all the way back to the edge of the platform to let the customers disembark. This really did feel like stepping back in time with the train carriages matching the station and the hustle and bustle of everyone leaving.

I made my way to the train, which was being uncoupled and repositioned to the front of the carriages; it was fascinating to watch the train operators at work.

 

 

The steam train made its way to the front of the carriages and coupled on, ready for its journey back to Broomhill. This was great as I was able to get some photos with the train facing the most visually pleasing way. While the train had stopped, the drivers seemed open to a chat and a few quick questions.

Seeing the steam engine up close and fully operating was worth the 50p to access the platform. If you have children who would be interested, it's a cheap way to see the steam train without shelling out for the full experience of travelling on it.

 

 

 

 

No. 46512

We saw The steam train in July, LMS 2-6-0 Class 2MT no. 46512 "E. V. Cooper, Engineer". Built Swindon in 1952 and owned by Highland Locomotive Company.

By the time the train was due to leave, the entire platform was empty, and we had the place to ourselves and got some great images of the train without people obscuring the view.

History of the Strathspey Railway

The railway originally opened in 1863 and was part of a network of railways connecting Scotland's cities and towns. However, it was closed to passenger services in 1965 as part of the extensive cuts to Britain's railway network known as the "Beeching Axe."

The Strathspey Railway Association

Preservation efforts began in the 1970s, led by the Strathspey Railway Association. After years of hard work, the Strathspey Railway reopened to passengers in 1978, offering scenic trips through the beautiful Cairngorms National Park.

Today, the railway operates as a tourist attraction, providing passengers with a unique opportunity to experience travel as it was in the early 20th century. The route offers stunning views of the Scottish Highlands, and the railway plays a significant role in the local tourism industry.

 

Impact on the Local Economy and Tourism

The Strathspey Railway plays a significant role in the Scottish Highlands' local economy and tourism sector. Its appeal lies not only in its historical value but also in its unique experience, making it an attractive tourist destination.

Regarding economic impact, the railway contributes significantly to the local economy. First, it provides direct employment opportunities. From the operational staff running the trains, maintaining the track and the vintage locomotives to the administrative personnel managing the bookings and marketing, the Strathspey Railway is a key employer in the area.

Moreover, the indirect impact on the local economy is substantial. Visitors riding the railway often spend money in local shops, hotels, restaurants, and other attractions in the towns of Aviemore, Boat of Garten, and Broomhill. This spending helps to support local businesses and create jobs, boosting the overall economic health of the Aviemore region.

Videos of the Strathspey Railway

Here are a few videos of our visit to this amazing steam railway.

 

 

 

 

FAQs on the Strathspey Railway

Here are a few frequently asked questions about the Strathspey Railway.

How much does the Strathspey Railway cost?

The Standard Class Light Lunch is priced at £29.50 for adults and £15.25 for children aged 5 to 15. Children under 5 can travel for a nominal fee of £3.40 or travel for free if they will not be partaking in the meal.

If you wish for a more luxurious experience, you can upgrade to First Class at an additional cost of £28.00.

For an exceptional journey, consider experiencing the premium saloons. The upgrade to the Director's Saloon is priced at £50.00, while the Chairman's Saloon is available for an additional £75.00.

As mentioned before, if you want to access the platform to see the train, it only costs 50p for a platform ticket.

Can dogs travel on the train?

Dogs are not allowed within the dining carriages, except for assistance dogs.

Where is the timetable for the Strathspey Railway?

You can see the most up-to-date timetable on the official website.

What railway stations does the train stop at?

Aviemore, Boat of Garden and Broomhill stations.

How long is the journey from Aviemore to Broomhill?

The journey takes about 40 minutes, one way from Aviemore to Broomhill. The train can be caught from Boat of Garten if you would like a shorter experience.

What can be seen in the Aviemore area?

There is too much to mention here, but please see my article on the best things to do in Aviemore.

Key information on the Strathspey Railway

• The Strathspey Railway is a heritage railway in Scotland, located in the Scottish Highlands within the Cairngorms National Park.

• The railway operates a 10-mile route between Aviemore, Boat of Garten, and Broomhill.

• The railway is a significant tourist attraction, offering a historical experience complete with vintage steam engines and restored carriages.

• The railway opened in 1863 but closed to passenger services in 1965. It reopened to passengers in 1978 after restoration efforts led by the Strathspey Railway Association.

• The railway significantly contributes to the local economy by providing employment and attracting tourists who spend money in local establishments.

• The Standard Class Afternoon Tea costs £39.50 for adults and £20.75 for children aged 5 to 15. Upgrading to First Class, Director's Saloon, and Chairman's Saloon are additional costs.

• Dogs are not allowed within the dining carriages, except for assistance dogs.

• The railway operates from three stations: Aviemore, Boat of Garden, and Broomhill.

• Visitors can purchase a platform-only ticket for 50p to see the steam train arrive and leave without taking a ride.

Conclusion

Travelling on the Strathspey Railway would be a fantastic wee adventure for all the family, but if you don't want to spend too much money, why not just pop down and see the steam locomotive as we did? It's worth the 50p!