The Whisky Line - Keith & Dufftown Railway
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The Whisky Line - Keith & Dufftown Railway
The Whisky Line - Keith & Dufftown Railway
4.5
Temporarily closedClosed until further notice
About
The Keith and Dufftown railway is one of the most Northerly preserved railways in the country, and one of the longest and most scenic.
With over 10 miles of line your journey takes you from Dufftown station, past the Glenfiddich distillery and over the famous Glenfidich viaduct. You then travel up the long climb called parkmore hill which is surrounded by spectacular scenery up into the mountains, At the top you pass along the banks of Loch Park, a mile long resevoir only properly viewed from the railway with its spectacular wildlife. Then past Drummuir castle and on to Drummuir station, And that's only half way....
Duration: 2-3 hours
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- Hector's house10 contributionsLovely day outWhat a lovely day out! We travelled from Keith to Dufftown and back in a vintage but lovingly restored diesel train. Everybody on this railway is so friendly and the driver let my grandson toot the horn on the train!Visited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten 18 October 2023
- Allendale1952Wraxall, United Kingdom100 contributionsBrilliant afternoonWhat a superb experience going on this railway. We had a great lunch before we commenced our journey. Very tasty soup and a variety of freshly made sandwiches and cake of course. The actual trip was brilliant as it enabled us to see the countryside and the wild life. The views of the distilleries was great. The staff on board gave us a great commentary and were very knowledgeable. It was a brilliant afternoon out.Visited May 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 2 June 2024
- PinkLG77Manchester, United Kingdom36 contributionsA Dream Day for Train EnthusiastsWe had a fantastic trip on the preserved railway from Keith to Dufftown, and it was a real treat for my father-in-law, who is a huge train enthusiast. The staff were incredibly kind and went above and beyond to make the day special, even allowing him to drive the train for a short stint, which absolutely made his day! He was over the moon with the experience. The route itself was very scenic, offering beautiful views throughout the journey. We also stopped at the charming café for a lovely lunch, which was a great way to relax and take in the atmosphere. All in all, it was a wonderful day out, and we can’t recommend it enough!Visited September 2024Travelled with familyWritten 30 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
219 reviews
Excellent
156
Very good
57
Average
2
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2
Terrible
2
Ayton1942
Crieff, UK27 contributions
May 2022
The trip was extremely disappointing as the seating was uncomfortable and there was no heating .Althoughit was May the temperature the day we travelled was only 8c
We were frozen…no views from the windows due to overgrown vegetation….
We Would not recommend it until they improve the comfort facilities for the passengers …
We were frozen…no views from the windows due to overgrown vegetation….
We Would not recommend it until they improve the comfort facilities for the passengers …
Written 2 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matt Towe
Doncaster, UK8 contributions
Sept 2021 • Family
Take the time out to visit this amazing friendly railway. Have a day to remember with the family. Beautiful scenery. Fantastic heritage train. Knowledgeable staff who will go out of their way to make a person's, young or olds, day. 100% BRILLIANT.
Written 15 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mr B
Winsford, UK3 contributions
Jul 2023
We saw this advertised in our accommodation guide book and decided to visit. one key thing to remember is that the post codes for Keith and Dufftown are very similar so TAKE CARE when putting this into a Sat Nav!.
Keith Station is delightfully picturesque and the ticket office is a reminder of the bygone days, the train conductor is very knowledgeable and happy to provide information. The route is very scenic and there's also some hidden elements which are enjoyable. Dufftown station is also very delightful and Glenfiddich distillery is not too far away. It is advisable to refer to the leaflet to check train times so that you can plan ahead.
Overall a delightful visit on this beautiful route!
Keith Station is delightfully picturesque and the ticket office is a reminder of the bygone days, the train conductor is very knowledgeable and happy to provide information. The route is very scenic and there's also some hidden elements which are enjoyable. Dufftown station is also very delightful and Glenfiddich distillery is not too far away. It is advisable to refer to the leaflet to check train times so that you can plan ahead.
Overall a delightful visit on this beautiful route!
Written 17 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jason W
Shaw, UK164 contributions
Oct 2020 • Family
Out of this world hospitality, as Mike took us for a guided tour around the yard. Made my son’s holiday getting to start one of the diesels and wander around. My wife enjoyed some tea and a bite to eat at the cafe whilst we wandered around the yard.
Written 30 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Glad you had a great time
Thanks for the review
Written 8 May 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hector's house
10 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
What a lovely day out! We travelled from Keith to Dufftown and back in a vintage but lovingly restored diesel train. Everybody on this railway is so friendly and the driver let my grandson toot the horn on the train!
Written 18 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KemnayKing
Kemnay, UK375 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
We had a fantastic day out going on the whisky line between Dufftown and Keith. The line was closed in 1991 and the train you ride is from 1958 so, like stepping back in time. Staff are all volunteers and are very friendly and knowledgeable. Great experience and we were lucky to have amazing weather. Worth the money. You can also buy souvenirs from the Keith station. Would recommend.
Written 11 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nixxie
26 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Wow just wow. This was a little gem of an experience.
We opted for breakfast on the train highly recommend.
From the moment we stepped in to the station which is so quint and quirky. The staff were amazing! The driver came and got my son and leet him start the train with the driver.
We got to sit in first class due to having breakfast and the guard and driver came and spoke to us as well as constantly interacting with the kids.
The train journey from duff town to Keith was just beautiful. We were handed information cards about the route we were taking and things to look out for.
The guard also pointed out things as we went along.
Once we came in to kieth station we had 20 minutes before the return journey.
We moved in to standard then. The driver came and got my daughter and let her blow the the horn of the train. It was amazing.
The journey back was great as well. Far more comfortable than the new trains we get today.
100% highlight of our holiday.
We opted for breakfast on the train highly recommend.
From the moment we stepped in to the station which is so quint and quirky. The staff were amazing! The driver came and got my son and leet him start the train with the driver.
We got to sit in first class due to having breakfast and the guard and driver came and spoke to us as well as constantly interacting with the kids.
The train journey from duff town to Keith was just beautiful. We were handed information cards about the route we were taking and things to look out for.
The guard also pointed out things as we went along.
Once we came in to kieth station we had 20 minutes before the return journey.
We moved in to standard then. The driver came and got my daughter and let her blow the the horn of the train. It was amazing.
The journey back was great as well. Far more comfortable than the new trains we get today.
100% highlight of our holiday.
Written 21 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leonard
London, UK9 contributions
Aug 2021 • Friends
This trip was extremely disappointing. Chaotic seating allocations meant I was moved twice. My seat was held together by gaffer tape. We were given sandwiches in a plastic bag. No tables to put them on. No views from the windows due to overgrown vegitation. We got off at Keith, hung around for a while then went back. For what purpose we couldn’t ascertain. Strongly recommend that you avoid.
Written 16 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
littlefamily12
34 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
We rode on the Dufftown to Keith railway and our only thought was that we wished we had booked the afternoon tea.
Staff were friendly and they have a wonderful little gift shop. Our youngest daughter loves trains and we very much wish there were more lines like this one.
Thank you to all involved
Staff were friendly and they have a wonderful little gift shop. Our youngest daughter loves trains and we very much wish there were more lines like this one.
Thank you to all involved
Written 21 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
infoforyoufromme
Glasgow, UK127 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
What a great trip. The train is operated by a number of volunteers- well done- it does show in a few members of the team. The train was great fun and included a small taste of whisky. The condition of the train was not the best but the 40 minute trip was really good fun.
Written 30 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I would check the website as it has a full list of ticket prices as well as timetables
Written 17 August 2019
Would we be able to spend the day in Keith (or at least longer than the stopover) before returning to Dufftown?
Written 27 August 2018
Keith is worth a short visit. Check the train times, as you should have ample time to spend in Keith and still get a train back to Dufftown.
Written 29 August 2018
Hello!!! Coming this May and definitely want to take the train trip, round trip. What is the time length , one way?
Thanks!!
Wendy
Written 25 February 2018
It usually runs Saturday and Sunday in May it takes about 35 mins to go each way (11 miles)
Including the stopover at each end I’d allow a good 3 hours with a meal at the sidings at Dufftown.
Written 25 February 2018
My wife and I will be returning to the Dufftown area this summer. We want to take the train this year. Can tickets be purchased ahead of time?
Written 21 April 2017
Hi, you should not need to book tickets in advance unless it's for the Ghost or Santa trains, looking forward to you visiting us, Nigel Bodiam, Chairman K D R A
Written 22 April 2017
Dear Ken, Sorry about the journey from Dufftown town to the railway station, Unfortunately when the station was built 150 years ago, they obviously thought as it was built to service the distilleries, hence 'the Whisky line', and that she station and loading yard should be near the distilleries and not in the town.
Most things we strive to improve for the benefit of our passengers, but moving the track and the station nearer the town would be beyond even our volunteers ability.
Regards, Nigel Bodiam, Director, Keith and Dufftown Railway
Written 14 September 2015
I think you have put your response in the wrong place Nigel....
You obviously get some very dim passengers...
Written 18 September 2015
Wtich day have festival whisky in train
Written 31 July 2015
It is part of the Speyside whiskey festival usually held in May. You will be able to find out dates for next years on the internet.
Written 2 August 2015
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