ONE of the UK’s most impressive train journeys remains off limits to tourists, with no definite time scale in place for its reopening.
Part of the joy of train travel is looking out of the window and watching the scenes roll by.
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A very popular ride for people who like to do that is the Cairngorm Mountain Railway funicular in Scotland.
The railway, which is the highest in the UK, takes passengers along a 2km track through parts of the Cairngorms National Park.
Its pinnacle is the Ptarmigan building, which sits 1,097m above sea level and offers a unique viewpoint for visitors.
The building is home to a restaurant, a gin bar, an immersive exhibition, a learning zone with interactive sandboxes and a gift shop.
Meanwhile, the mountain is home to wild reindeer and the park is known as a great place to see the Northern Lights.
However, since last August, visitors have not been able to ride the train due to ongoing maintenance work.
This concerns the tension in some “scarf joints” on the line, which was said to be “below the recommended level”.
The track was closed after the problem was noticed during a routine check last summer and has remained that way since.
It had only reopened for the first time in more than four years in January 2023, following £25m worth of repairs.
It was hoped that the railway could be reopened soon, but Highlands and Islands Enterprise, who operate the train, has now revealed that there is still no clear return date for the train.
A spokesperson for HIE told the Strathspey Herald that “everything possible” is being done to reopen the line, but that they didn’t know how long it would be before people could ride the funicular again.
They said: “The main focus of the current works is re-tensioning ‘scarf joints’ as well as checking tension on beams and diaphragms and carrying out grouting work.
“Everything possible is being done to complete the works as quickly as possible but we are currently unable to put a definite timescale on how much longer this will take.
“We recognise the present situation is disappointing for all those who love Cairngorm and we’re sorry that we’ve had to suspend the funicular service while these works are carried out.”
An explanation of the works on the HIE website further explains that the track’s location and the weather there are making the work much more difficult to complete.
When up and running, visitors rave about the train – with some labelling it as “mesmerising”.
One reviewer wrote: “Fantastic views of the mountains, cable car up to the top for an awesome inspiring view. Superb.”
Another said: “Eight minutes of breathtaking ascent. Staff at the summit were really welcoming and informative and it has the purest air. Magical.”
A third added: “I can talk infinitely about this place, but it still won’t be enough. If someone has a love for valleys, hills and mountains, this is one combination you can’t afford to miss.
“The beautiful breathtaking view from the top of the mountain was absolutely mesmerising.”
Fortunately for rail enthusiasts there are other journeys that can be booked elsewhere in the UK that some consider among the most scenic in the world.
Welsh Dragon
Last year, the Steam Dreams Rail Co, announced its new four-night Welsh Dragon holiday, which sets off from London and takes in some highlights of the Welsh countryside, with hotel stays included.
Passengers will be taken from Paddington Station, through railway lines in Snowdonia National Park and will get to stay in castles and chateaus along the way.
The route sets off in September this year and costs from £995pp, depending on which package is booked.
St Erth to St Ives
This short journey along the Cornish coast can be booked for as little as £3.
It takes in scenes of Carbis Bay with its white sands and clear blue seas.
Passengers have advised sitting on the right hand side of the train when getting on at St Erth for the best views.
North East Coast
The route from York to Edinburgh is another that offers breathtaking scenery, particularly to passengers sat on the right hand side of the train.
Sights like Durham Cathedral, Newcastle’s quayside and the Scottish east coast can all be seen from the comfort of the train seats.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
Meanwhile, this overnight train in the UK offers breakfast in bed to its passengers.
And this new sleeper train service links holiday hotspots throughout Europe.
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