We enjoy an impressive journey on the Strathspey Steam Railway, taking a 20-mile round trip through Scotland's magnificent Highland scenery. The former mainline route begins at Aviemore railway station, which also hosts modern trains on the National Rail network.
The Strathspey Railway was opened as part of a main line from Perth to Inverness in 1863. It enjoyed high levels of passenger traffic for many years, and was not affected by being absorbed into the London, Midland and Scottish Railway in 1923, or by becoming nationalised into British Rail in 1948.
Leaving the station yard, the train navigates a level crossing and continues against the breathtaking backdrop of the Cairngorms National Park. With the gushing River Spey running alongside the line, the heritage locomotive continues under the shadow of high mountains and dense sloping woodland to the station at Boat of Garten.
This immaculately preserved station features its full range of original buildings dating back to 1904, making it popular with rail enthusiasts. On leaving the station, the next leg of our journey takes us through some beautiful landscapes, including the charming rural farmland scenery straddling the meandering River Spey. In summer, there are many vivid colours in the fields; a multitude of greens and even the purples of heather and gorse lining the trackside. After climbing through the valley, we arrive at Broomhill station - the line's current terminus and a double for 'Glenbogle' station in the TV series 'Monarch of the Glen'.
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