A Unique Place To Stay in the Cairngorms

Google maps is never wrong, right? We were convinced that the red line over a section of the A9 above Perth was nonsense, a motorway mirage that we didn’t need to fear. But sure enough as we hopefully ambled up the road, we joined an expanding line of traffic. As certain as the Pope's religion, there will be a queue on the A9. It’s the right of every person in Scotland, resident or visiting, to mutter ‘bloody A9’ under their breath while heading north.

There’s something special about treating yourself to a wee weekend trip away in the country you call home. That not-quite familiarity that makes it feel like a trip somewhere new, but with the reassuring comfort of still getting Irn Bru as a soft drink option in a restaurant.

 In the search for a place to stay when heading north of Stirling, there’s everything you could want - plush spa hotels, cosy log cabins, even luxury converted shipping containers if you’ve ever wanted to spend a weekend pretending to be a pallet of bananas travelling through the Suez canal.

After a quick search on AirBnB for a cute place to stay, a train carriage popped up. Think classic  wood-panelling and rectangle windows, the era of train carriage a Belgian detective might solve a murder in. It’s no secret to anyone that knows me, I like trains. Not as much as Gucci Model Francis Bourgeois, but I enjoy travelling on them and visiting the classics. I didn’t want to pass up the chance to stay on a train in the Highlands. 

When you think of a disused railway station, it's easy to imagine the kind of haunting place that Scoobie Doo and the gang would frequent, but the reality couldn’t be further from that creepy cartoon image. Cromdale Station, opened in 1863, was part of the Strathspey Railway that connected Elgin to The Boat Of Garten. In its time it served the people of Cromdale as well as the local distillery.

Today it’s refurbished and with a new lease of life sees regular visitors to the station house and ‘camping coach’ - A UK holiday tradition mostly lost to time.

We were met by the host on our arrival and shown around. AirBnB can often feel disconnected,  especially if you collect keys out of a lock box and the only contact you have with your host is the online messenger and a laminated instruction manual in the property. While some people may like that, having the host show you around and explain the history of the place was a nice and welcoming touch. 

The wooden train carriage was utterly charming. It’s split into two sections. The living room and kitchen are at one end, while the bedroom and bathroom are at the other. The only way to get from one to the other is by going out onto the platform. 

The main living room and kitchenette was homely and clean, with a TV and an excellent selection of games and books, including material about the local area and the station itself. While you’ve only got a microwave and a hob, I managed to knock up a chicken alfredo for two. The bedroom was cosy but comfortable and warm with each room having its own heater. The bathroom would rival even the modern Caledonian Sleeper.

It’s perfect for a unique couples’ getaway, as a place to stay while exploring the Cairngorms, or for a family. However, it goes without saying - if you like trains, then this is for you. If your significant other has a hankering for a railway platform or a carriage number, bring them here.