The last train to...

The last train to Cambus O'May ran in 1966. The railway line is gone and now forms part of the Deeside Way footpath. Unusually the station building, as shown in the photograph, still exists.

Today was possibly the first day this year which felt like Spring. The verge either side of road out of Aberdeen to Westhill was a carpet of daffodils. We headed further west and had breakfast in Aboyne. We made a stop at Cambus O' May to admire the suspension bridge over the Dee.

Walking along the Deeside Way we discovered the old station, now a private property. We met the owner who described how she had bought the station some years ago when it was in need of substantial renovation. It is nice to see it in such good condition, and still sitting on the platform.

The station was a halt on the line roughly mid way between Aboyne and Ballater. Queen Victoria, and other members of the Royal Family would have passed along this line their way to Balmoral. About four more miles along the railway line to Ballater, and then a further eight miles or so to Balmoral. Home at last, another holiday in the highland retreat.

We paused also in Ballater to watch a pipe band and to have a late lunch time sandwich at the former railway station.