Strathspey Is Reel-y Good

May is turning into a very busy month for us!

Ahead of taking Minffordd on the road again later this week for the show in Porthmadog we squeezed in a weekend visit to the  jewel in Scotland's heritage railway crown, the Strathspey Railway.

This was a 'bucket list' trip for Himself, another treat to mark a significant birthday and a rare opportunity for all his children and grandchildren to get together - which happens rarely as we're at opposite end of the country.

To make the occasion extra special we'd arranged to travel in the 'Directors Saloon' , which is the brand name the railway attaches to a package to hire one end of its ex-LMS inspection saloon for the round trip complete with some light refreshments and attentive service from an on-board host.

Many heritage railways across the UK are fortunate to have examples of these type of carriages and they really are the best way to travel in comfort and privacy and views all around.

And what views!

Leaving aside the FR and WHR - natuarally - the Strathspey Railway most boast the most expansive and impressive views on any heritage railway in the UK, with the a stunning vista towards the Cairngorm mountains as the train runs through open country towards the current terminus at Broomhill.

This small station comes with such an idyllic back drop it's not surprising its often been used for shooting scenes in TV dramas, most notably disguised as 'Glenbogle' in the worldwide hit 'Monarch of the Glen.'

More recently the line's immaculately-presented middle station, Boat of Garten, features in the UK version of 'The Traitors'

As many of our blog readers will know there is also an FR connection here, because Boat of Garten is where the legendary GM Allan Garraway retired to, playing a role consolidating and developing the Strathspey Railway, an entertaining (and challenging) visitors to his home with operating sessions on his O gauge railway.

What impressed me most on our visit to the Strathspey, aside from the immaculate presentation and the stunning scenery, was the faultless customer service, friendliness and professionalism from everyone involved in running the railway.

During the layover at Aviemore, before departure, the loco crew on Ivatt class 2 46464 seemed happy to invite passengers who showed an interest to climb into the cab, answer their questions and chat.

In our saloon the staff could not have been more attentive and helpful, keeping tea and coffee flowing, explaining what to expect from the journey and offering some historical context, as not forgetting the the more pragmatic details like where to find the private toilet compartment!

When it transpired there was a surplus of sandwiches left over from the party in the other saloon (who'd booked the afternoon tea package) they were brought through to our half of the carriage as an unexpected bonus!

Small touches, but they leave such a marvellous impression.

For a visitor experience it could not be faulted. And for an enthusiast who is wondering if it is worth what is likely to be a round tip of several hundred miles from most of the UK population, the answer is most definitely yes!

Where else - apart from our dear Boston Lodge Works - are you likely to see an historic engine shed like the one at Aviemore, which is nearing its 130th anniversary and still performing its original function?

Historic Environment Scotland list it as: "The finest surviving locomotive shed in Scotland".

I don't think there is anyone who would disagree with that.