The Whisky Line - Keith & Dufftown Railway
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Temporarily closed until further notice
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....
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
204 reviews
Excellent
141
Very good
57
Average
2
Poor
2
Terrible
2
Matthew M
45 contributions
Jun 2022
A group of friends booked the railway for a "hands on" experience day recently. We had a chance to prep, drive and guard a class 108 DMU and a Pacer and had a yummy lunch oncluded. I found the offering to be varied, interesting, really enjoyable and good value for money on a beautiful stretch of line. Most of all we were met with a very very friendly welcome. If we lived nearer we would have all been tempted to join as volunteers I'm sure!
This is a simple, unassuming railway which isn't pretending to be anything it's not and does exactly what it says on the tin and does it well and with great dedication and enthusiasm. It would not be right or fair to compare it to larger, more established preserved lines further south. We loved it and would highly recommend it to anyone visiting the area and/or seeking a DMU driver experience. Well done K&DR - a First Class day out!!
This is a simple, unassuming railway which isn't pretending to be anything it's not and does exactly what it says on the tin and does it well and with great dedication and enthusiasm. It would not be right or fair to compare it to larger, more established preserved lines further south. We loved it and would highly recommend it to anyone visiting the area and/or seeking a DMU driver experience. Well done K&DR - a First Class day out!!
Written June 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
undertheclock
Fife, Scotland108 contributions
Sep 2022 • Family
My son and I thoroughly enjoyed our cream tea on the train. It was fun doing our best to drink and eat whilst the train rolled around a wee bit on the tracks. A lovely wee trip down to Keith and back again.
The staff were very enthusiastic about their railway and showed a great interest in their passengers. It was a nice relaxed journey, allowing time to take on the surrounding countryside.
The staff were very enthusiastic about their railway and showed a great interest in their passengers. It was a nice relaxed journey, allowing time to take on the surrounding countryside.
Written September 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
elained391
Fochabers, UK53 contributions
Oct 2020
We visited the cafe today, ( The sidlings) and it was a great experience. We had not booked , due to Covid, but a table became available , due to someone leaving. We only had tea and cakes but we all had home made cakes. The gluten free chocolate cake was not over sweet and absolutely delicious I would highly recommend it for coeliacs. The other half had the coffee cake, which he said it was the best he had tasted for a long time. Mum had a homemade Bakewell tart which was super. This is a place to visit and obviously with the railway closed, it is still worth that stop. The Staff were so pleasant and kind and very pleasant and I thank them for their help. We loved our visit and have booked for next week, for lunch, cannot wait. Good venue for celiac .
Written October 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Caren and Lisa do run a superb cafe which is a credit and an asset to our railway,
Thanks for the review
Written May 8, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ayton1942
Crieff, UK20 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 June 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Matt Towe
Doncaster, UK5 contributions
Sep 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 September 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
littlefamily12
31 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 August 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jason W
Shaw, UK169 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 October 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Glad you had a great time
Thanks for the review
Written May 8, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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 August 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
infoforyoufromme
Glasgow, UK100 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 April 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Rozza20
Aberdeen, UK96 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
I took my disabled Dad along with my auntie and uncle out on the train from to Keith to Dufftown and had a return journey. We enjoyed it immensely. A special thanks to Dusty the guard who made sure my Dad got on and off the train safely. Thoroughly recommend it. We shall definitely return
Written July 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
How much is a return ticket?
David R
Dundee, UK24 contributions
I would check the website as it has a full list of ticket prices as well as timetables
Life Begins at 65
United States55 contributions
Would we be able to spend the day in Keith (or at least longer than the stopover) before returning to Dufftown?
Judi M
Maryculter, UK602 contributions
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.
Burton W
Kansas City, MO18 contributions
Hello!!! Coming this May and definitely want to take the train trip, round trip. What is the time length , one way?
Thanks!!
Wendy
calebabbott2010
Dufftown, UK14 contributions
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.
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?
Nigel B
Dufftown, UK17 contributions
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
Nigel B
Dufftown, UK17 contributions
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
Meh
Inverurie, UK18 contributions
I think you have put your response in the wrong place Nigel....
You obviously get some very dim passengers...
The Whisky Line - Keith & Dufftown Railway - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about The Whisky Line - Keith & Dufftown Railway
- Hotels near The Whisky Line - Keith & Dufftown Railway:
- (0.57 mi) Dunvegan Bed & Breakfast
- (0.64 mi) Morven Bed & Breakfast
- (0.72 mi) Highland Spirit Bed and Breakfast
- (0.32 mi) Scorrybreck B&B Dufftown
- (0.36 mi) INVERAVON HOLIDAY HOME DUFFTOWN
- Restaurants near The Whisky Line - Keith & Dufftown Railway:
- (0.29 mi) Sidings Café
- (0.66 mi) Seven Stills
- (0.66 mi) The Dufftown Glassworks
- (0.67 mi) Spice of India
- (0.61 mi) The Coffee Pot