One of our main reasons for our camping trip last weekend (read more about the camping part here) was to go on the Strathspey Railway. As the steam trains leave from Aviemore we thought we should make a day of that too.
Unfortunately our chosen day for the train ride was raining heavily. But still, we packed some lunches and set off to Aviemore to catch the train.
Strathspey Railway
The Strathspey Railway Company was set up in 1971. The aim was to buy areas of the railway and start trains running along the old route. Currently the trains run between Aviemore and Broomhill. Although tracks are being re-laid to extend the railway to Grantown as it was in the past.
We bought our tickets for a 90 minute round trip, adult tickets are £11.25 (under 5’s are free). If you pay a little bit more then you can have a dining experience, private compartment or afternoon tea. Maybe another day!
Our train looked very grand! You can imagine people in the past standing on the platform in the rain, waiting for the train to arrive in their tweeds and long dresses.
We watched the woodland and fields pass by. A excitedly pointing out the sheep and cows and O ‘reading’ the information leaflet.
We stopped to take on more water at Boat of Garten, then moved on to Broomhill station where a lot of the passengers got off. However, as it was raining and a mile and a bit walk to Nethy Bridge we stayed put. When we arrived back in Boat of Garten the rain had stopped. So we disembarked to go for a wander around and have our lunch. Of course, as soon as we got off the train the rain started pelting down again!
Fortunately we found a lovely little gallery and coffee shop where we had a cake and drink. The boys had fun looking around the gallery, I didn’t get a chance to have a proper look at the art, but I did see a good number of painting that I liked in my brief ‘walk’ around the building!
The rain had eased off a bit and we headed back outside to search for the woodland walks I had read about. Sure enough a bit further up the road from the gallery there were signposts for the walks in the woodland. We wandered past pretty Scot’s Pines and some very lichen’y’ birches, taking a route back toward the station to catch the train back to Aviemore.
The train arrived right on time, we heard the whistle well before we saw the steam puffing over the trees.
A 15 minute journey back to Aviemore and it was already late afternoon.
This was a lovely relaxing day, even if it was raining. I definitely recommend the trip to anyone else who is passing through the Aviemore area.
Have you been on a steam train recently?
Suz says
Aww what a great day out by the looks of it! The train looks amazing!! Fantastic photos and even better memories being created! Thanks for sharing! Suz x beauisblue.com
Emily says
Sounds like a great day out! Thanks for linking up to the #BinkyLinky
Sabrina (The Mummy Stylist) says
Oh wow this is all the way up in Scotland! The train looks amazing, i do love steam trains, they are so beautiful. Especially when they run on the actually old route, you can really imagine you’ve gone back in time! It’s such a shame about the weather for you 🙁 We just visited the one in Kent & East Sussex, a bit more expensive than the one you visited, but hey it’s worth it, isn’t it! Sabrina xx
Nige Higgins says
Looks like you had a fab time great photos thanks for linking to the Binkylinky
Wave to Mummy says
Wow, this looks like such a lovely trip. And the train looks almost like the one on Harry Potter too! I bet it was great fun riding on it 🙂 I myself never been on a steam train but would if I had a chance 🙂 #binkylinky
Sally@Toddlers on Tour says
I’m discovering kids just love days out that involve a trip on some different types of transport.
This looks fun My son would thoroughly enjoy it.
LittleOandme says
What a great day out. My toddler would love that train ride. I am so glad the rain eased off for you so that you could explore the woodland.
Becky-LittleOandme
Jenny Eaves says
So were we, it was such a lovely place to visit, we didn’t want the rain to completely spoil it! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
Definitely! Something to ride on is always fun for kids! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
You should definitely have a go on a steam train, they are so much fun! Especially if you get the chance to have afternoon tea or something similar! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
Thank you! 🙂
Jenny Eaves says
Definitely worth it, and of course the kids just love this sort of thing too! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
Thank you! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
Thank you! We had a lovely time and definitely lots of memories being made! 🙂 x
Becky says
My 3 year old LOVES trains – big, small, old, new, steam or diesel. But his favourite are steam trains! We have never visited Scotland but it is on our list so we will definitely bear this in mind and possibly plan to stay near Strathspey – if the children are happy, the parents are happy hey?!
Jenny Eaves says
Ha ha! Yes, we visit a lot of train themed things as O loves trains, not always what I want to do, but as you say, if it keeps them happy… 🙂 x
Marta says
Oh wow, sounds like a great day out! You can’t beat a steam train: even just looking at these pics my kids are now asking to go 🙂
Jenny Eaves says
Steam trains are so much fun, hope there’s one near you to vist?! 🙂 x
Bumble Bee Mum says
I LOVE steam trains of every kind! Especially after I had 2 boys. So I can imagine why steam trains would be on your to-do list for a family trip. The one on my bucket list is the Thomas steam train in Japan.
Jenny Eaves says
A Thomas steam train in Japan? Ooh, must go look that up! 🙂 x
Ting at My Travel Monkey says
What a brilliant way to spend a rainy day, and how can you not love a railway journey, followed by cake? In fact we did this last week too in the Cotswolds. Great mind! Thanks for linking up with #MondayEscapes ps. Sorry my code for the badge didn’t work, I’ve done it again!
Jenny Eaves says
You have to have a train journey on holiday, don’t you! Don’t worry about the badge, mine is forever causing problems! I have to re-do it every week! 🙂 x
A Cornish Mum says
Aw this looks like a lot of fun, I keep meaning to take the boys on a train! Thanks for linking up to #PicknMix hon,
Stevie xx
Jenny Eaves says
Trains are great fun for all ages, we love them! 🙂 x
Elizabeth says
We took the kids to the mainland for some summer holiday adventures last year, and their first ever train ride (there are no trains on our island!) was on a steam train in the Lake District! 😀 We did the funicular in the Cairngorms too – super fun! The landscape reminded us of our home here in Shetland.
Erin - Yorkshire Tots says
What a great day out for you! We love a trip on a steam train too! #whatevertheweather
Mummy on a Budget says
Steam trains are a lovely way to travel! Looks a great day despite the rain! #whatevertheweather
Mini Travellers says
We did a santa steam train last Christmas and loved it, hoping to do something similar before the end of the summer – not long now though! #whatevertheweather
Hannah says
Really can’t beat the magic of a steam train ride!
Cheryl @ Reimer and Ruby says
Seemed like a fab day despite of the rain. The last time we went on a steam train was when we went to Bo’ness for a Day out with Thomas, where we surprised our little boy as he was so fond of Thomas then. It’s was also pouring rain and bit cold that time but it was certainly a fab day out. #whatevertheweather
Crummy Mummy says
I love a good steam train – we go on the Bluebell railway in Sussex and the Swanage steam train in Dorset – always a hit with the kids! #whatevertheweather
Let kids be kids says
Shame about the rain, but sounds like a lovely day out despite the weather. My son would like to go on a steam train again. x
Stephanie says
Wow this looks like a great day out, shame about the rain, oh the joys of British weather but looks like you all had a lovely time despite this. My girls would love to go on a steam train, if we’re ever visiting the area we will defiantly be popping by here.
Sherry says
Sounds like a great way to spend a rainy day! We still haven’t been on a train with ours x
Nia says
I just love the expression on his face! Someone had a good time! I do love travelling by train, it’s such a relaxing way to see parts of the countryside that are sometimes difficult to access in other ways. But for me it’s important to have good views or somewhere to explore the other end – the woods look great! Am slightly scared of going on a steam train again as one of my daughters freaked out at the train’s whistle last time! Hopefully that was a phase! Great way to make use of a windy day 🙂
Emma's Mamma says
Sounds like a lovely day out despite the rain! I’ve never been on a steam train and Emma loves trains at the moment so would love to go on one with her. There’s meant to be one fairly nearby – might have to organise a day out 🙂 #whatevertheweather
Lauren says
Who doesn’t love a steam train?! Looks like a great day out-despite the weather! #whatevertheweather
Babyfoote says
We haven’t been on a steam train lately. My son loves playing with trains, but actually being on a train? Not so much. No idea why. I remember loving all things steam as a kid. Maybe he needs to be a bit older to fully enjoy it!
Becky Willoughby (@LakesSingleMum) says
I must get kids up there! Not far really from Cumbria..
sarah says
Awww shame about the rain, still though, looks like you guys had fun! The stem trains look amaznig!! 🙂
Claire says
Looks like a fantastic day out! We have done the santa special at our local steam railway line… I love the smell of the old trains… so much fun! #whatevertheweather
Mae @ OutdoorsMom says
I hope to take my son on a train ride. One of his favorite show is Thomas.
Sara | mumturnedmom says
Love that area! We’ve camped around Aviemore and spent a few holiday there. It’s beautiful x
Sarah says
What a lovely train – looks a great day 🙂 Thanks for hosting #whatevertheweather
International Elf Service says
This looks a like a great day out for all the family! Really good to hear you had a fab time despite the weather!
Claire at Ton Box Traveller says
My dad is a bit of a steam train fanatic so I went on so many when I was a kid. I didn’t complain too much because it was great fun. This certainly looks like a lovely day out and perfect if the weather isn’t too bright. The old heaters on steam trains always keep my toes toasty. The last one I want on was between Dartmouth and Paignton in Devon. The views are spectacular #Whatevertheweather
Su says
we haven’t been on a stream train before, but we have been on a model stream train last Christmas. We had such a blast! I think a real stream train will be our next step. 🙂 #whatevertheweather
Aisling Ozdemir says
Looks like so much fun, my boys would love this, thanks for sharing! #whatevertheweather
Mummy here and there says
It is such a great day out, we went on a steam not long ago and my boys loved it X
Jenny Eaves says
It is, I love going on steam trains! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
We love steam trains, definitely a great family day out! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
We love model steam trains too, but real ones are great, especially with the proper whistle and steam! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
Wow, you were lucky! I love going on steam trains, partly for the kids excitement, but also because I love imagining the past! You’re right about them keeping you toasty! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
Sometimes you just need to keep going no matter what the weathers like! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
It was great, thank you! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
It is such a gorgeous place to be, I love being beside the mountains. 🙂 x
Mummyandmonkeys says
Looks like a lovely day! We always go on a steam train at Christmas, great fun. Thanks for linking to #picknmix
Jenny Eaves says
O loves Thomas too, we have to visit any train thing happening! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
Oh yes, we went on a santa train last year and it was great! They are so much fun! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
I know, can’t do much about the rain, but at least the trains are fun! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
It’s not too far really! MY OH has family in Cumbria, so we visit that area sometimes too, need to take the boys camping in the Lake District, I used to go camping there a lot as a child. 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
Maybe he’ll like them when he’s a bit older? O isn’t too sure of the train itself, but likes going in the coaches! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
It was great, thank you! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
If she likes trains I’m sure she’ll love it! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
Ha ha, yes, A jumped at the whistle the first time, but then kept saying toot toot after that. They are such fun to go on, hopefully she’ll be ok next time when she’s a little bit older? O loves trains so much, as you can tell by his face! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
Trains are great fun, we particularly love steam as it’s a little bit different. 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
Trains are so much fun, you should definitely find one with the girls. 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
We’ve been on loads of stem trains together now, we practically hunt them out for O! It was a great day even though the weather wasn’t brilliant. 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
Bluebell railway sounds lovely! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
We loved the Day out with Thomas at Bo’Ness, we went on the Santa train last year too, it was lovely! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
You definitely can’t! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
We did a santa one last year too, it was lovely, would have been even better if it had snowed though! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
They are great fun, thank you! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
It was, we do love a steam train journey. 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
Ha ha, yes there is no need for trains on Shetland! That must have been fun too, I’ve just posted a blog post about the funicular as well. We loved it! 🙂 x
Lisa says
My holly LOVES trains! i bet she would loves this!
Great post
Lx
http://workingmumy.blogspot.com
#WhateverTheWeather
Jenny Eaves says
Thank you! 🙂 x
Unhinged Mummy (aka Janine Woods) says
My son loves all things Thomas The Tank Engine but we have yet to take him on a steam engine. Your post has reminded me that we really must get round to doing something like this as he would absolutely love it.
#whatevertheweather
Jenny Eaves says
Oh yes, if he’s into trains you should definitely go on a steam train, so much fun! 🙂 x
lizzie (firstooth) says
It looks so much fun it’s a shame you couldn’t go for the full lot and have a special dining experience ce but u understand with small children it may not have been quite fine dining. We have a steam train near us. US adults have been on it but so far our little ones have just watched it from outside which they prefer #whatevertheweather
Jenny Eaves says
I would loved to have had the afternoon tea, but couldn’t guarantee the kids would sit for it, maybe when they’re a little older! 🙂 x
Merlinda Little (@pixiedusk) says
Your son’s smile in one of the photo is just priceless. And I can see why as it looks like the amazing place ever! #countrykids
Chloe says
I love steam trains!!! I went on one for dinner recently and we dressed up all old fashioned, it was brilliant! I’d definitely recommend going again and eating on one. It is so much fun!
The boys look like they’re having so much fun. I can’t wait to read your funicular post. It’s a shame that it was just a chair lift in Italy. If you ever go back, you need to go to the Isle of Capri. They have the most amazing Funicular railway with unbelievable views.
What a fun day out despite the weather! I quite like watching the rain drops running down train windows though. x
Jenny Eaves says
Oh yes, I went to Capri when I was younger and loved the funicular there, I had completely forgot about that! 🙂 x
Jenny Eaves says
I know, I love that photo, the boy is train mad! Thank you! 🙂 x
Coombe Mill says
Strathspey Railway looks like a fab day out for anyone with little ones, I don’t know any kid who doesn’t love a ride on a train. They boys look like they’re having a fab time even if it’s raining and cold. It’s great that they’re restoring the old line for people to ride on, will you be heading back to ride again once it’s completed? Thanks for linking up with Country Kids.
Jenny Eaves says
It was great fun, I think rain really only bothers us grown-ups! Kids just get of with it! Will definitely go back again one day. 🙂 x