The little-known train trip ideal for lovers of whisky, castles and great views

FORGET the West Highland line, there’s a gem of a Scottish train trip that is just as picturesque but much less touristy.

Welcome to the Keith and Dufftown Railway, an eleven mile line linking Dufftown, known as the Malt Whisky capital of the world, to the town of Keith in Moray.

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And it’ll be no surprise the Dram Tram, as it’s locally known, is as popular with train spotters as it is with fans of Scotland’s national drink.

There’s no doubt Scotland offers some of the most stunning rail journeys in the world including the aforementioned West Highland Line and Borders line.

They both attract thousands of visitors every year, especially the West Highland line which Potterheads flock to to enjoy a trip over the iconic Glenfinnan viaduct which the Hogwarts Express travelled over in the hit Harry Potter movies.

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But the less well-known heritage train on the Moray route – better known as the Whisky Line – is every bit as beautiful.

You’ll be stunned by the spectacular scenery it passes through including man-made Loch Park and Drummuir Castle.

Whisky lovers will want to start in Dufftown, the ideal place to visit for connoisseurs, with plenty of other distilleries to enjoy along the route.

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The town has the highest concentration of distilleries in the world, being home to the Dufftown distillery, Mortlach, Glenfiddich, Balvenie, Glendullan and Kininvie distilleries.

Keith also has some cracking whisky places to visit including Strathmill, Glenkeith and Strathisla distilleries.

The line was taken over by volunteers in 1998 and the Class 108 DMUs run on the line throughout the season from March until September and it is well worth the trip up.

The railway are proud of the route and claim “to travel on the KDR is get to experience the true spirit of this unique part of Scotland.

“There are the rolling hills, forests, the deep glens, fields of ripening barley, leaping deer but it is the living stills which provide that aroma pervading the atmosphere all along the track.”

According to Hidden Scotland, the “captivating journey whisks you past sparkling lochs, majestic castles, and traditional whisky distilleries”.

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