Strathspey Railway

Nostalgic steam hauled heritage trains

History of the Strathspey Railway

The Strathspey Railway is a heritage railway located in the Scottish Highlands. It operates on a section of the former Highland Railway line which ran from Aviemore to Forres. The railway line was initially constructed in the mid-19th century, primarily to serve the growing tourism industry in the Highlands and to facilitate the transportation of goods such as timber, whiskey, and agricultural produce.

The Highland Railway Company completed the construction of the line in 1863, connecting Aviemore to Boat of Garten, with extensions completed later to Grantown-on-Spey in 1866 and Craigellachie in 1863. The line played a significant role in opening up the remote areas of the Highlands to tourism and trade.

For many years, the line served as a vital transportation link for the local communities, but with the decline of rail travel in the mid-20th century, especially in rural areas, the line eventually fell into disuse. The section between Aviemore and Grantown-on-Spey closed to passenger traffic in 1965 and was subsequently dismantled.

Strathspey Railway Company

In the 1970s, a group of railway enthusiasts and volunteers came together with the aim of preserving part of the historic Highland Railway. This led to the formation of the Strathspey Railway Company in 1978, with the goal of restoring and operating a section of the line as a heritage railway.

Over the following years, volunteers worked tirelessly to restore the track, bridges, and stations along the route. The first trains began running on the restored line in 1979, initially operating between Aviemore and Boat of Garten. Over time, the line was extended further north, and today, the Strathspey Railway operates services between Aviemore and Broomhill, with plans for further expansion.

Types of locomotives

The railway operates a variety of steam and diesel locomotives, providing visitors with the opportunity to experience the nostalgia of steam-era travel amidst the stunning scenery of the Scottish Highlands. The Strathspey Railway has become a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world who come to experience the beauty and history of the Highlands from the comfort of a vintage railway carriage.

Some of the notable trains that operate on the Strathspey Railway include:

Steam Locomotives

The Strathspey Railway owns and operates several steam locomotives, including examples of historic engines from various periods of railway history. These steam locomotives are often used to pull passenger trains along the scenic route between Aviemore and Broomhill. Examples include:

  • LMS Ivatt Class 2 46512: Built in 1953, this locomotive is a popular choice for pulling passenger services on the Strathspey Railway.

  • LMS Stanier Class 5 5025: Another steam locomotive in the Strathspey Railway's fleet, providing visitors with a taste of steam-era travel.

  • Other steam locomotives may occasionally visit or be hired for special events and excursions.

Diesel Locomotives

In addition to steam locomotives, the Strathspey Railway also operates diesel locomotives. These engines are often used for scheduled services, special events, and driver experience courses. Diesel locomotives provide a different experience from steam trains and offer visitors the chance to ride behind a more modern type of motive power. Examples of diesel locomotives that may operate on the Strathspey Railway include:

  • Class 26: These diesel-electric locomotives were built by the British Railways in the 1950s and 1960s and are commonly used on heritage railways across the UK.

  • Class 37: Another popular type of diesel locomotive that may be seen on the Strathspey Railway, known for their distinctive appearance and powerful performance.

These are just a few examples of the trains that operate on the Strathspey Railway. The specific locomotives in service may vary depending on maintenance schedules, availability, and the requirements of scheduled services and special events. Additionally, the railway occasionally hosts visiting locomotives from other heritage railways, further diversifying the range of trains that visitors can experience.

Strathspey Fayres

  • Adult £19.50

  • Senior (60+) £17.55

  • Child (5-15) £9.75

  • Child (under 5) FREE

  • Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children age 5-15) £43.25

  • Dog £3.00

What do travellers say about the Strathspey Railway?

The Strathspey Railway has over 1,300 Google reviews rating it 4.6/5.

Laurena Kelly left this review in February 2024

You need to do this!! We went on the Steam Train today and absolutely loved every minute! It was like going back in time. The carriages were so well preserved and we took a walk up to the first class carriages and got to have a look at them (we were standard class). Worth every penny at less than £20pp. The views are lovely on the way up and there were 2 decent 10 min stops on the way up and down at a station where you could get out and see the train in its glory. It was really cool seeing the front detach and join the back on the return journey. You can also get some great views of the train from the big windows at the end of the carriage. Highly recommend to do this!

MikeExpressTrain Condon left this review in November 2023

This is a truly great station that has retained the heritage of a long-lost era of rail modernisation.

Strathsprey probably saved the entire complex.Strathsprey do their best to present authentic heritage.