The Strathspey Railway takes visitors on a scenic journey to Boat of Garten and Broomhill by steam train. It is one of our favourite days out.
The line starts in Aviemore and travels through the heart of the National Park, and must offer some of the finest scenery of all the UK’s steam railways.
From Aviemore passengers are treated to a pine forest and heather filled view of the Cairngorm Mountain range, while after Boat of Garten the scenery changes to farmland, while running alongside the River Spey.
For travel to Aviemore see our guides to the Highland Mainline and Getting to the Highlands. For other places to visit in and near Aviemore, accommodation and restaurants see our Aviemore guide.
The line presently terminates at Broomhill, however, there are plans to reinstate the line as far as the attractive Speyside town of Grantown-on-Spey.
For the time-being an alternative bus service runs between Aviemore, Boat of Garten and Grantown on Spey for days when the train is not running, or for those who wish to travel the full route.
See our Guide to Aviemore to Grantown-on-Spey for details.
Strathspey Railway at Aviemore Station
Train ready to depart from Platform 3
Cairngorm Mountain range and pine forest
Farmland and the River Spey
Most people will buy a return ticket for the whole journey from Aviemore to Broomhill.
It is possible to break your journey at Boat of Garten in either direction, or at Broomhill. Perfect for stopping off for a leisurely lunch or a wander round at Boat of Garten or Nethy Bridge (near Broomhill) before completing your journey.
If you want to eat on the train, the 12:45 departure from Aviemore serves light lunch and the 15:00 departure from Aviemore serves afternoon tea.
If you want a return to Boat of Garten buy a return to Broomhill and just don’t use the Boat of Garten to Broomhill section.
Subject to availability, it is also possible to buy single tickets to/from Boat of Garten, or to/from Broomhill and break your journey at Boat of Garten. These must be bought in person on the day.
SAVING! The Spirit of Scotland Travel Pass and the Highland Rover Travel Pass (for rail travel) will entitle you to a 10% discount on standard fares.
All of the stations have staffed ticket offices (at Aviemore this is on Platform 3 rather than the main ticket office). If you happen to start your journey at Boat of Garten or Broomhill and the ticket office is closed, you can pay when alighting in Aviemore.
First and third class tickets are available and you may take your bike or canoe in the guards van. Trains are able to accommodate wheelchair using passengers in a specially converted coach.
Passengers receive a proper, old-fashioned railway ticket
Corridor of a carriage
Afternoon tea
The train stops at the attractively restored railway station which has a small shop, waiting room and toilets. This is our favourite station. It was also a filming location for the TV series The Traitors.
Boat of Garten is a pleasant small village beside the River Spey. The village has a hotel with a beer garden – The Boat Country Inn & Restaurant, an art gallery with a focus on Scottish landscapes – 1896 Gallery, a colourful community garden, and a small village shop with a selection of gifts.
Golfers can enjoy a round of golf and a meal at the Boat of Garten Golf Club with its stunning views. Visitors are welcome and equipment is available to hire.
There are a number of walking paths around the village which are detailed in this Boat of Garten Paths Group map.
For walkers and cyclists there is access to the Abernethy Forest trails and Speyside Way long distance path. Some people like to take the train one-way to Boat of Garten and cycle back to Aviemore.
You can also visit the nearby RSPB Loch Garten nature reserve where ospreys may be viewed between April and August. It is a three mile walk from the station through nice scenery, or take your bike as it is on the National Cycle Network (on road route).
Boat of Garten Station
Boat of Garten platform
Boat of Garten Golf Club
Loch Garten
Broomhill Station has a tiny ticket office and shop, and toilets. Passengers can alight here for 15 minutes for photos. The station was the filming location for ‘Glenbogle Station’ in the TV series Monarch of the Glen.
Before stopping here, the train goes slightly down the line in order for the engine to move to the other end of the train for the return journey, so don't panic that you've missed your stop!
It is around half an hour's walk to the small village of Nethy Bridge where visitors can enjoy lunch at the Nethybridge Hotel or the Nethy House Cafe.
For walkers and cyclists Broomhill Station also provides access to the Abernethy Forest trails and Speyside Way long distance path – the Nethy Bridge Visitor Centre can provide advice if needed.
Broomhill Station
Broomhill Bridge crosses the River Spey on the walk to Nethy Bridge
Page last updated 08 October 2025