Strathspey Railway - Aviemore Station — Attraction in Great Britain

The Strathspey Railway (SR) in Badenoch and Strathspey, Highland, Scotland, operates a ten-mile (16 km) heritage railway from Aviemore to Broomhill, Highland via Boat of Garten, part of the former Inverness and Perth Junction Railway (later part of the Highland Railway) which linked Aviemore with Forres. It is one of only a handful of former primary/secondary main lines to be preserved in Britain today.

The Strathspey Railway operates from platform 3 of Network Rail's Aviemore railway station. Until 1998 the railway's southern terminus was Aviemore Speyside about 300 yards (270 m) further north. Aviemore Speyside is no longer in regular use, although its platform has been retained as a fallback in case of problems with access to the Network Rail station. Coaling of the steam locomotives is carried out at a facility constructed in 2014 on the site of the former Aviemore Speyside station building. Its signal box, which was formerly at Garve West and transported from there in 1986, was retained when the station itself shut. New features are gradually being brought into service at the Aviemore site controlled using traditional British Railways mechanical semaphore signalling.

From Aviemore, the line passes the four-road locomotive shed which was constructed by the Highland Railway in 1898. The original purpose of the shed was to house locomotives for the lines to Perth and Inverness (via Carrbridge and Forres). It was common for original Highland Railway engines to be allocated to the shed and in London, Midland and Scottish Railway (LMS) days it housed Stanier Black Fives, Pickersgill Bogies (Caledonian Railway), Caley 439 tanks, Caley 812 classes, and Fairburn Tanks. In British Railways days the shed was allocated the shed code '60B'. These days the engines that are in traffic on the Strathspey Railway still bear the 60B shedplate on their smokebox. The shed has a 60-foot (18 m) turntable, originally from Kyle of Lochalsh.citation needed] There is also a carriage maintenance shed which was erected and opened for use in 2005; this shed allows the railway's volunteers and staff to work on its fleet of coaches indoors. On the opposite side of the line is a three road carriage storage shed erected and opened in 2011; this allows the coaches to be stored under cover and protected from the weather.

The former engine crew hostel, called Spey Lodge, stands just to the north. This building was erected by the LMS during the Second World War to provide railway crews with a safe and cheap option for accommodation whilst rostered to work locally. The British Railways Staff Association For Scotland then took it on to provide holiday accommodation for railway staff and their families. It was saved by the Strathspey Railway Company during the 1970s and gradually the facilities have been upgraded by volunteers. Spey Lodge now fulfils its original role again, providing hostel accommodation for engine crews and other volunteers working on the railway.

After Spey Lodge, the railway passes the site of the Aviemore Hospital then crosses Dalfaber level crossing, an Automatic Barrier Crossing Locally monitored (ABCL). This level crossing was not originally part of the railway, but was installed after the development of the Dalfaber Estate in the 1980s, and was upgraded to a half-barrier crossing in March 2023.[1 Prior the barrier upgrade, the crossing had been involved in one major incident in 2005.[3] After crossing the road and passing the Cairngorm Brewery the line climbs through Granish Moor. This heather moor affords views of Cairngorm Mountain and the line runs parallel to the Speyside Way, a popular walking and cycling route. Once into the forest at the north end of the moor, the line descends past Boat of Garten golf course and into the village of Boat of...

After the previous visit we returned for an evening meal on the 27th of Aug 21.

We were really impressed. The views, the food, the friendly and attentive staff. Just made it all effortless.

We were so lucky with the weather to stop and look across the Cairngorm National park, sipping some of the best Scottish Whisky with excellent traditional food.

We would have liked to have done first class but even though we booked months in advance, were told it was not running. Slightly disappointed to hear from other passengers it was actually running for them.

Highly recommended! Would return but only for a different experience.

Visited for afternoon tea on the 27th of Aug 2020.

Overall had a really good time on the Strathspey Steam Railway. It's great to step back in time and see the scenery while enjoying a nice afternoon tea and a few drinks.

Positives,

Booking was easy and lots of clear covid information on their website. Fast and secure payment. The staff on board and along the platform were very friendly, bubbly and professional(apart from the first two ladies) On board the train the staff were so helpful and very fast with service. Really good spacing and distancing. Good quality afternoon tea with a great selection of beverages.

Negatives,

The website was a bit on the poor side. Navigation wasn't as smooth as some. When I arrived I overheard first class and was left a little disappointed this was not an easy option to find when booking given the small price difference.

On arrival the first two ladies who gave us the tickets were rude and first impressions were awful. Not once did I hear a please or thank you to any customers. They barked orders at people waiting. Fair enough it was to maintain social distance, however lack signage meant people didn't know where they were ment to go. Something to improve on.

On board the menu of sandwiches was a bit abnormal. Any other afternoon tea I have had was simply a selection served. This would save time for the staff when serving perhaps.

More value could be placed on the "local produce" the Jam was from Essex.... perhaps a local provider would be better?

Overall I would recommend the Strathspey Steam Railway as a family event with some...

Review of Strathspey Railway (Aviemore Station)

The Strathspey Railway is a delightful heritage attraction based at Aviemore Station, offering visitors the chance to step back into the golden age of rail travel. From the moment you arrive on Platform 3, the atmosphere is filled with nostalgia: vintage carriages, traditional station charm, and the warm welcome of volunteer staff who clearly love what they do.

The journey itself runs from Aviemore through the Cairngorms to Broomhill, taking around 40 minutes each way. The scenery is breathtaking, with rolling Highland landscapes, riverside stretches along the Spey Valley, and charming glimpses of rural life. It’s a wonderfully relaxing way to enjoy the area.

Accessibility is another strength. The station and trains are well equipped with ramps and wide access points, and staff are quick to assist anyone with mobility or sensory needs. Reviews from wheelchair users and families with blind or disabled relatives often praise the care and consideration they received.

There are, however, a few cautions to bear in mind. Occasionally, the steam locomotive is unavailable, with a diesel engine used instead—something that can disappoint younger visitors expecting the full steam experience. At busier times, organisation can feel a little rushed, with long queues and a scramble for seats. Prices, while justifiable for a heritage experience, are on the higher side, so it’s best treated as a special day out.

Overall, the Strathspey Railway from Aviemore Station is a charming and memorable way to experience both Highland scenery and railway nostalgia. The combination of heritage trains, warm service, it is a standout attraction in the region. Just be sure to book in advance, check whether steam will be running, and allow yourself to slow down and enjoy...