Highest railway in the UK gives you stunning mountain views without the climbing
The highest railway in the UK, which reopened in February this year after a £25million refurbishment, offers visitors stunning views of the surrounding landscape
There's nothing quite like gazing at the stunning panorama from a mountain summit, yet not everyone possesses the ability, stamina, time or inclination to climb one. If any of those circumstances describe you, then worry not as a recently launched Scottish mountain railway offers you jaw-dropping highland views, without requiring any mountaineering whatsoever.
Digital content creator Chris Paul Lawlor, who's renowned for discovering Scotland, posted on his Facebook page to share a brief video all about the Cairngorms Mountain Railway, situated in Aviemore in the Scottish Highlands. His footage began with a first-person perspective clip from the railway, which reopened in February this year following a £25million renovation, to demonstrate to his audience what they would witness if they journeyed on it.
Additional picturesque shots of the magnificent location were then displayed, as overlay text stated: "Did you know that in Scotland there is a railway on a mountain just newly reopened taking you to a restaurant at the top with breathtaking views."
Besides being Scotland's sole mountain railway, it's also the loftiest railway in the UK, ascending to a summit station at 1,097 metres (3,599 ft) above sea level.
In addition to travelling on the railway itself, Chris mentioned you could "make a day of it" by embarking on a trek to the pyramid in the Cairngorms National Park, which lies a 35-minute drive away. Officially known as Prince Albert's Cairn, this pyramid is a monument erected by Queen Victoria in 1862 on the Balmoral Estate to honour her husband, Prince Albert.
It's the grandest of 11 Royal cairns in the vicinity, perched atop a hill that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and national park.
To reach the cairn, visitors can embark on a hike through woodland trails, choosing between a shorter, direct walk or a longer circular route that takes in other cairns.
While there's no fee to visit Prince Albert's Cairn itself, parking charges apply. Expect to pay around £5 for a car and £10 for a motorhome or van for the day.
The car park is conveniently located near the A93 road at the start of the walk.
The expert also recommended a trip to the Green Loch, famed for its unusually green water. This unique hue is due to a combination of algae in the water and the reflection of the surrounding pine trees.
However, local folklore suggests that fairies washing their clothes in the loch are responsible for its colour.
Chris also suggested a visit to Loch Morlich before heading to the railway. This freshwater loch near Aviemore is renowned for its sandy beaches and awe-inspiring mountain scenery.
It's a hotspot for watersports enthusiasts, offering activities like kayaking, sailing, and windsurfing, with a dedicated watersports centre on site. Visitors can also explore walking and mountain biking trails in the nearby Glenmore Forest Park.
Chris's post about the railway and surrounding suggestions, captioned "An autumn day out idea in Scotland," was a hit with fans, garnering 4,800 likes.
One follower gushed: "Oh my God this makes me want to come back even more. We visited Scotland 11 years ago for our honeymoon. Now my 8-year-old wants to go."
Another fan lauded the "wonderful scenery".
A third chimed in: "Glad the railway is open again, it makes the beautiful mountain summit more accessible to all people."
While a fourth added: "Wow, what a place and view."
A day pass for the Cairngorms Mountain Railway costs £17.00 for an adult and £9.50 for a junior (aged 6-17) if booked in advance online. On-the-day prices are £19.00 for an adult and £11.50 for a junior. Prices are also available for seniors and students.