The End of the Line

Strathpeffer Railway Station

Situated 4 miles west of Dingwall on the strath of the River Peffer, Strathpeffer became a popular destination following the discovery of sulphurous springs in the 1770's, the village developing into a Victorian Spa resort.

With the spa facilities gaining in popularity it became clear that better transport links were needed, but objections from a local landowner meant that the first Strathpeffer station had to be built at Achterneed on the main line on outskirts of the town in 1870.

Strathpeffer station was opened on June 3rd 1885 as a branch line from Fodderty junction, on the Dingwall and Skye line, thus bringing the station into the heart of the village. At this time the original station was renamed Achterneed.
The branch saw the arrival of many more visitors including a weekly Strathpeffer Spa Express and sleeper service from London in 1908 - 1909. Victorian villas and grand hotels sprang up and the Highland Railway Company opened it's own Highland Hotel in 1911.

The beginning of World War 1 began the decline of the spa and the railway line and
Strathpeffer station closed to passengers on 23rd February 1946, finally closing completely in March 1951

Today Strathpeffer station has been beautifully restored and repurposed, now housing the fascinating Highland Museum of Childhood, a cafe and community shop and several other small businesses including a beauty salon

Owned and managed by the Old Strathpeffer Railway Station Trust it is popular with visitors for it's heritage appeal, cafe and museum, and is a central landmark in the village.

I was particularly happy to find and purchase something to deter the midges that had been plaguing me on our visit!

I have added the Traveling Wilburys and "End of the Line" as a link

www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMVjToYOjbM