Strathspey Steam Railway

12/09/2024

Santa Claus is coming to Strathspey Railway!

Create enchanted memories for all the family with a festive steam ride on the Santa Train at Strathspey Railway – The home of Highland Steam. Steaming through the beautiful Cairngorm National Park, entertained by our festive elves and a visit from the man himself Santa Claus!

Book your own table or an exclusive First Class compartment to share with family or friends, on one of our heritage railway carriages and experience a magical trip.

Treat yourself to a festive light lunch or indulge in a festive afternoon tea. For an extra special experience, upgrade to an exclusive First-Class compartment.

Children (2-15) on all services, will receive a special pack containing a festive gingerbread man, activity book, souvenir railway bauble and pin badge.

Journey time (Aviemore to Broomhill and return) 1h 30m

Departures available:

12:30 – Take in the wintery landscape, of the Cairngorms National Park, as you steam along our Highland Heritage line. Treat yourselves to a Festive Light Lunch, or for that extra special experience, upgrade to a First-Class Celebration Festive Lunch, in your own exclusive compartment.

14:40* – Experience the Highland winter golden hour, as you steam along our Highland Heritage line. As the daylight fades, experience the sparkle of Christmas, on our festive train. Indulge in a Festive Afternoon Tea or for an extra special experience, upgrade to a First-Class Celebration Afternoon Tea, in your own exclusive compartment. *14:40 service unavailable on Friday 6th and 13th.

17:00 – Experience the sparkle of Christmas, on a winters evening, cosy in our festive trains. Indulge in a Festive Afternoon Tea or for an extra special experience, upgrade to a First-Class Celebration Afternoon Tea, in your own exclusive compartment.

Spot the festive displays, along the line, as you steam through the Highland landscape. Sing along and be entertained by our mischievous elves and say hello to Santa Claus himself!

Scheduled dates:
November: Sat 30th
December: Sun 1st, Fri 6th, Sat 7th, Sun 8th, Fri 13th, Sat 14th, Sun 15th, Thurs 19th, Fri 20th, Sat 21st, Sun 22nd, Mon 23rd

Book your tickets online at www.strathspeyrailway.co.uk or call 01479 810725

09/09/2024

We have several ticket options available, onboard our heritage carriages. 🚂💕
Which one would you choose?
❤-Standard Heritage Carriages
👍-A First Class Compartment
😮-Coronation Observation Carriage
Tag a special person you would love to travel with 👫🎟👭🎟👬

Standard Heritage Carriages:
-Traditional table and chair arrangement - seats 4
-Whole carriage seats up to 64 individuals
-Accessible carriage available, can accommodate wheelchair users
-Dogs welcome on standard travel only services
(excludes catered services, apart from service dogs)
-Concessions and family discounts available on standard travel only services (excludes catered services)
Catering options available, in a dedicated standard heritage carriage:
-12:45 departures -Light Lunch
-15:00 departures -Afternoon Tea

Coronation Observation Carriage:
-Panoramic, wrap around windows
-Up close view of the loco, on the return journey
-Comfy armchairs
-Art deco styled interior
-Whole carriage seats up to 24 individuals
-Complimentary tea/coffee and a wee snack, served by the onboard steward

First Class Compartments:
-Private compartment for the exclusive use of your party
-Only 4 First Class compartments available on each service
-10:15 departures -Tea/coffee and shortbread, seats up to 6
-12:45 departures -Light Lunch, seats up to 4
-15:00 departures -Afternoon Tea, with a glass of prosecco, seats up to 4

Visit our website for tickets and timetables: www.strathspeyrailway.co.uk

08/09/2024

07/09/2024

04/09/2024

Due to a fault with our Class 37, and despite our best attempts to fix the issue in time unfortunately we have been beaten. This Friday 6th September will now feature Class 27050. Loco roster for the remainder of September remains as planned subject to fleet availability. Apologies for this late change.

02/09/2024

Many will have already seen the advance publicity in the Strathy and Scotsman newspapers for the railways' re-creation of the first passenger-hauled service by a Black 5 locomotive over the original Highland Main Line — it's the first passenger service for the first locomotive of its type released from the manufacturers.

This coming Thursday, exactly 90 years later at 15:03 the scene will be repeated - same locomotive, same platform at Aviemore station. If you would like to travel back in time and help celebrate this event with the Watkinson Trust, who maintain locomotive 5025 in first class condition, then tickets are available for the 15.00 service, which will definitely be delayed for 3 minutes to ensure departure occurs at exactly the correct time.

https://www.strathspeyrailway.co.uk

29/08/2024

As we draw to the end of a busy peak season at the railway, we wanted to take this opportunity to thank each and everyone of our visitors, for your incredible support. This has been an exceptional season for the railway in terms of passenger numbers, your support allows us to continue preserving our heritage railway for future generations.

We would love to see your photos taken at the railway this season and hear about your experiences. Please do share in the comments.

Next week we move into a new timetable, with our special Diesel Fridays throughout the month. Visit our website for tickets and timetables www.strathspeyrailway.co.uk

28/08/2024

27/08/2024

By a strange coincidence two of our locos have significant birthdays within a few days. CR 828 celebrates her 125th Birthday on 31st August 2024. Sadly she will be far from home on the day but she is celebrating at Tunbridge Wells on the Spa Valley Railway with CR 419. At home in Aviemore LMS 5025 turned 90 on 26th August 2024. Here she is on 27th August looking immaculate after a hard day’s work..! Well done Alan and Sam for bringing her up to such an impressive condition.

22/08/2024

If you are travelling to us on the weekend of Thunder in The Glens 23rd-26th of August, please be aware of potential road closures and extra traffic in the area and plan your journey accordingly, allowing extra time. During closures, you will only be able to access our car park, on Dalfaber Road, from the South entrance to Aviemore, this will particularly affect those travelling on the 12:45 service on Saturday 24th, as the A95 (North end) will be closed 1130 -1300 due to the Harley ride out.

We still have tickets available for our special Biker Trains on Friday and Saturday evening, departures at 18:20.

To book please use the following links

https://strathspeyrailway.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/59716?catID=38209

First Class is also available on these two trains.

Our Coronation Observation carriage provides armchair viewing of the surrounding Strathspey

https://strathspeyrailway.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/59757?catID=38209

and our four First Class compartments on each train provide accommodation for up to six passengers.

https://strathspeyrailway.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/59758?catID=38209

22/08/2024

The Strathspey Railway is running two special evening trains over the Thunder in the Glens weekend. Relax and enjoy a slow travel experience (25mph) where you can sit back, chill out and admire the passing scenery before returning to the real-world excitement of Aviemore.

Departing at 18.20 on both Friday the 23rd and Saturday the 24th August, from Platform 3, Aviemore station through to Boat of Garten and then on to Broomhill, the railway takes you on a 19-mile round trip along part of the original Highland Railway mainline from Perth to Inverness. The train passes moorland, through woods and alongside the meandering River Spey, stunning Cairngorms Mountain scenery is ever-present.

There is of course a fully stocked bar area on board the train, with a fine selection of local beers and spirits as well as a selection of carefully selected wines.

To book please use the following links

https://strathspeyrailway.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/59716?catID=38209

First Class is also available on these two trains.

Our Coronation Observation carriage provides armchair viewing of the surrounding Strathspey

https://strathspeyrailway.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/59757?catID=38209

and our four First Class compartments on each train provide accommodation for up to six passengers.

https://strathspeyrailway.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/59758?catID=38209

20/08/2024

“Remember the season I spent working on a steam train, travelling through the Highlands of Scotland” - this could be you saying this in the future!

We have Waiting Staff positions available, onboard our Heritage trains supporting our popular catered services. Visit our website www.strathspeyrailway.co.uk to see the services we offer.

Join our friendly team and make this year one to remember!
Seasonal temporary position until the end of October 2024
Must be customer oriented, keen & adaptable
Training given. Uniform provided.
Sociable working hours (no evenings)
Flexible hours available.
Rates of Pay: £11.75ph

To apply please send your CV and a cover letter to:
[email protected]
Applications will close upon appointment of a suitable candidate. Early application recommended.

14/08/2024

This photo was taken in 1900, a couple of years after Aviemore became a junction

The 'Forres' line ( our line ) opened in 1863 with the 'Direct' route to Inverness opening in 1898

Before 1863 Aviemore had no habitation as such just Aviemore Lodge ( in picture ) which burnt down in the early part of the 20th century - all that is left of this, is one out building, which is now the Winking Owl establishment

You can just make out the Loco Shed on the far right

After 1898 railway cottages appeared and the village grew with shops and a church - on the left is where the shops are now

The burn still runs under both sets of tracks

Thanks to Paul Blount for providing this photo and information.

12/08/2024

Afternoon Tea Week takes place every August during the second full week. This delightful celebration is dedicated to the quintessentially British tradition of taking tea in the afternoon. It’s a time to indulge in the classic combination of tea, finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of cakes, encouraging people to take a break from their busy lives, relax, and enjoy this elegant and leisurely ritual.

The tradition dates back to the early 19th century, credited to Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, who started having tea and light snacks in the afternoon to stave off hunger until dinner. This practice quickly caught on among the upper class and became a popular social event. Today, the tea ritual is enjoyed by people all over the world, symbolising a moment of relaxation and indulgence.

Celebrate Afternoon Tea Week as part of a Steam Train* experience, a delightful journey back in time! 🚂 Tag the person you'd love to share an elegant afternoon 'steam' tea with on the Strathspey Railway.

Take in the views of the beautiful Scottish countryside while relaxing with a fine selection of sandwiches, prepared to order, home baked scones and cakes, together with a choice of tea or coffee.

Upgrade to 1st class for a luxurious experience, with a private compartment, and a complimentary glass of Prosecco.

Advance booking is required, online bookings close at 6am on the day of travel. We do sometimes have late availability though, if you are hoping to book on the day please call us on 01479 810725 to check availability.

Visit our website for tickets and timetables: www.strathspeyrailway.co.uk

We are able to cater for dietary requirements, dietary requirements are requested during the online booking process, this information is then passed onto our catering team.

Afternoon tea is served on our 15:00 departure from Aviemore and will be available on all days we are operating our service, through to the end of October.

*We always aim to deliver a steam hauled service however, on occasion, due to operational issues, it may be necessary to substitute for a diesel engine.

11/08/2024

In between services, we give each carriage a wee clean. We are quite used to finding empty cups but found it quite endearing to discover a cup, with some freshly picked flowers in water, left behind at a table. Did make us smile, so thanks to whoever left that 😊
Next to the cup, you can see one of our ‘Line Guides’. This is a new information sheet, giving a little bit more info about the things you will see along our Heritage Line and a map of the route. There should be one on every table, some of them do go missing from time to time, so if you find your table hasn’t got one, please do ask a member of platform staff for a copy.

11/08/2024

Diesel Fridays are returning in September!

Departures from Aviemore at 10:15, 12:45 & 15:00.
Standard travel is available, as well as a range of upgrades:
All services - Observation Carriage
10:15 - 1st Class Tea and Shortbread
12:45 - 1st Class Light Lunch
15:00 - 1st Class Afternoon Tea
Now available to book online at www.strathspeyrailway.co.uk
Day Rover tickets for standard travel, will be available to purchase from our ticket office on the day.

Take a nostalgic train journey through the Cairngorm National Park. The return trip lasts around 1 hour and 45 minutes departing Aviemore visiting Boat of Garten and Broomhill stations before returning to Aviemore, travelling behind one of our Heritage Diesel Locomotives, relive the experience of the late 1960s / early 1970s as it could have been if our line had remained open.

Setting off from Platform 3 at Aviemore station, through to Boat of Garten and on to Broomhill, the railway takes you on a twenty-mile round trip along part of the original Highland Railway mainline. As the train passes moorland, through woods and alongside the meandering River Spey, stunning Cairngorm Mountains scenery is ever present. Join us for a nostalgic journey and savour the sights, sounds and smell of a bygone era.

Loco Roster:
-Class 37 on 6th
-Class 27 on 13th
-Class 31 on 20th
-Class 27 on 27th

Reporting Headcodes:
Aviemore 1015 departure to Broomhill is 2B01
returns from Broomhill as 2A02
1245 departure is 2B03 return is 2A04
1500 departure is 2B07 return is 2A08

06/08/2024

Arrive in style for one of the biggest and most exciting event celebrations in the Scottish Highlands this summer! Step aboard our trains at Aviemore station and depart for the Games and Clan Grant Gathering in Nethy Bridge! Join us for a true Highland Games experience and a great day out with plenty of music and dance, events and competitions!

The venue of the Abernethy Highland Games, also known as the Friendly Games, is Nethy Bridge. Doors open at 10:00am. Highland Dancing, Solo Piping and Drumming, Field and Track together with traditional Heavy events take place throughout the day. Fairground attractions, souvenir stands and food stalls will be available for a day full of traditional Scottish country entertainment at one of the biggest social highlights in this part of Scotland. The games end at approximately 5pm.

Travelling to the Games

The Strathspey Railway have again teamed up with the Abernethy Highland Games to welcome visitors on board and on the Games field for a great day out celebrating this historic event. Train departure for the Games is at 10:15am and 12:45pm from Aviemore station. On your arrival at Broomhill station, a free bus service will be available to take you from Broomhill to the Games Field at Nethy Bridge village, where passengers are dropped off just by the old railway station.

Coming back from the Games

The minibuses will be available at the drop off point before each train departure to return people to Broomhill station for a leisurely travel back to Aviemore (or Boat of Garten). Trains from the Games leave Broomhill station at 13:51 and 16:06.

Your combined ticket offers a special reduced package rate for your return train travel, complimentary minibus to Nethy Bridge, a free shuttle service to Broomhill on the way back and entry to the event.

Visit our website to book: https://strathspeyrailway.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/42694?catID=38209&

03/08/2024

The model railway and museum, on platform 2, at our Boat of Garten Station, will be open on Saturday and Sunday this weekend! Saturday will see Thomas on the model line and Sunday will be their regular rolling stock. Do pop in to see this lovely display 🚂
You are welcome to break your journey and come back to Aviemore on a later train, we just ask that you ‘check in’ at Boat of Garten ticket office and let them know which train you plan to return on, so a seat is reserved for you. Pick up an information leaflet, on things to see and do in Boat of Garten at the station.

01/08/2024

All aboard for a delightful journey back in time! 🚂 Tag the person you'd love to accompany you, for light lunch on the Strathspey Railway.

Take in the views of the beautiful Scottish countryside while relaxing with a tasty sandwich, prepared to order, accompanied by a warming soup, freshly made by our railway chef, together with a choice of tea or coffee.

Upgrade to 1st class for a luxurious experience, with a private compartment (subject to availability).

Available every day excluding Mondays, on our 12:45 departure from Aviemore. Advance booking is required, online bookings close at 6am on the day of travel. We do sometimes have late availability though, if you are hoping to book on the day please call us on 01479 810725 to check availability.

Light Lunch is served on our 12:45 departure from Aviemore and will be available on all days we are operating our service, through to the end of October.

Visit our website for tickets and timetables: www.strathspeyrailway.co.uk

31/07/2024

Self contained Motorhomes/Campervans are welcome overnight in our Station car parks at Aviemore and Boat of Garten. Both offer central locations in the hearts of each village.

On the day, please visit the following link: https://strathspeyrailway.digitickets.co.uk/products/304272?navItem=502033 or scan the QR code on one of the signs in the car park to make a Donation of £15 via our website. Once you have filled in your details and processed the payment, you will receive a booking confirmation email, with a unique booking reference number. Please display the booking reference number on your dashboard. Your donations help us to maintain our Heritage Railway for future generations.

Aviemore Station Car Park - Dalfaber Road - PH22 1PY
Boat of Garten Station Car Park - Station postcode is PH24 3BH, the car park is behind the station, off Nethybridge Road, through the car park of the Boat of Garten Golf and Tennis club.

You are welcome to fill water containers, from our taps on the platforms. At Aviemore station it is next to the disabled toilet on platform 3, at Boat of Garten there is a tap on the gas house on platform 2.

*No waste disposal available. Please take your waste home. No emptying of brown waste in our station toilets (Toilets are closed at night)*

Please park considerately at both car parks. At Aviemore Station car park, please park side on.

Please arrive after 5pm and vacate the parking spot by 9am to ensure we have plenty of parking available for incoming passengers.

This offer may be withdrawn if the above guidelines are not respected.

This offer does not apply to the weekend of Thunder in the Glen, alternative arrangements and pre-booking will be made for this event in due course.

29/07/2024

If you are booked into Standard travel, ask about availability to upgrade to our Coronation Observation carriage. What is the difference?
Our standard heritage coaches have a traditional table and chair set up and hold up to 64 passengers.
The observation carriage has comfy armchairs, instead of table and chairs, panoramic windows and an onboard steward serving complimentary tea, coffee (juice for the kids) and a wee snack. This carriage holds only 22 passengers.
Upgrades on a standard adult ticket are £6.50 and £2.75 for children.
You can book tickets for the observation carriage on our website www.strathspeyrailway.co.uk
Or upgrade on the day, subject to availability.

24/07/2024

“Remember the season I spent working on a steam train, travelling through the Highlands of Scotland” - this could be you saying this in the future!

We have two positions available in our catering team, supporting our popular catered services onboard our heritage trains. Visit our website www.strathspeyrailway.co.uk to see the services we offer.

Join our friendly team and make this year one to remember!
Seasonal - July to end of October 2024
Must be customer oriented, keen & adaptable
Training given. Uniform provided.
Sociable working hours (no evenings)
Flexible hours available.
Rates of Pay: Cook £14ph, Catering Assistant £11.75ph

To apply please send your CV and a cover letter to:
[email protected]
Applications will close upon appointment of a suitable candidate. Early application recommended.