I am a lover of steam and heritage railways, where ever they may lay in Britain. To find one near Inverness, during a short break was great. I booked a trip out on the recently restored observation car, which I would recommend for unrivalled views of the area. What I did find to be lacking, was full guidance on their website. While other heritage railways provide a composite website, so a visitor to the line arrives informed of what to expect, the Strathspey Railway does not. While it shows a timetable, the timing of a return trip from Broom Hill is not clear, I was lead to believe I'd have an hour or so to await a return trip. There is no indication on the website or leaflet as to what time the booking office opens, as I found out upon arrival, it is 0945am. The lady working in the booking office during my visit, seemed very curt with her approach and tone, and was seeming to be very overwhelmed by having to oversee arrival of passengers, issuing tickets and serving in the gift shop. Generally though, my encounters with other staff, especially those working in the observation car, was fantastic. The Strathspey Railway, is one of those preserved railways, that if one does not live in the local area, requires a long journey north, I would recommend booking the observation car to make it a memorable trip out after a long journey to get there.

Super nice experience for afternoon tea. Good value for money. The ride is about 1.40h long. This feels just perfect, not too short but not too long if you have little children. We bought the tickets on the day at the train station. All the stuff was super nice.

You dont need to be a train enthusiast to enjoy this lovely journey from Aviemore to Boat of Garten. It’s an absolute delight as well as being nostalgic and scenic. I’ve added some photos to give you a taste of the trip but really you need to experience it to really get the most from it. Even Aviemore station is a lovely old station. There is good parking for people doing the train journey, right alongside the back of the station. This also means you don’t need to go over the foot bridge to get to the platform you need for the steam train, very useful if like me you are mobility impaired. You can pay for a meal or refreshments but personally we just wanted to enjoy the ride and the view 😀

A good length steam train journey. Friendly staff. The stations could do with some development eg a coffee shop, walk suggestions. But the ride was smooth and we enjoyed it.

Steam train experience: My husband and I booked the first class high-tea option so we got our own cabin. Was great! never done this kind of thing before and was on both our bucket lists. To upgrade to the first-class cabin wasn't that much more either so we thought, why not!?! We got a little bottle of Prosecco each as well as a massive pot of tea, choice of sandwich for our high-tea set, and the various cakes and sweets that came with it. The journey on the steam train was 45min out and 45min back with short stops on the 2 stations along the way. Staff were always helpful and kind, letting you know what was happening all the time. The return saw the steam engine switching ends of the train which was great to watch. Got to see some amazing Scottish countryside and relax for an hour an a half whilst eating snacks and drinking tea [took the prosecco home].

Great train journey about 1.5 hours. Avimore to boat of Garten. Cafe if your quick enough . Steam train was nice. 2 quick stops then back, cheap for 2 adults 1 child £30

Platform 3 gives you access to the beautiful Strathspey steam railway, departing from Aviemore. You're given time to get off at the other stations which are well-worth pictures as the loco takes on water - we're back in the 1950's now. Staff are in full uniform and really make you feel welcome; for a few more pounds grab an armchair in the observation car and be served tea/coffee and some delicious cakes. Young children seem to adore anything connected to stream railways so if you're anywhere near Aviemore or the Cairngorms, book a trip. (You'll be best to book in advance!)

Staff very friendly and welcoming. Stream train was good and views were beautiful. Enjoyed our trip.