Deeside Rail

Explore The Royal Deeside line

The Deeside Railway was a passenger and goods railway between Aberdeen and Ballater which originally opened in 1853. Back in its day, the railway was favoured by the Royal Family and Queen Victoria used it frequently, to travel to Balmoral.

Nowadays, since 2007, The Royal Deeside Railway is a standard gauge steam and diesel hauled heritage railways which runs alongside the River Dee from Milton of Crathes. The line is currently about one mile long and the return journey lasts around 15 to 20 minutes.

Run by volunteers, they are raising money towards extending the route all the way into Banchory to offer an enhanced experience. This is not available yet but hopes to open in 2021.