Alford Valley Railway, Narrow-gauge heritage railway in Alford, Scotland.
The Alford Valley Railway is a narrow-gauge heritage railway in Aberdeenshire that runs roughly one mile from Alford village through open countryside to Haughton Country Park. The operation uses period-appropriate trains and vintage equipment to carry passengers along this scenic rural route.
The original railway line opened in 1859 as part of the Great North of Scotland Railway and served the area's granite quarrying industry. Passenger and freight operations ended in 1965, but the line was later restored and reopened as a heritage railway for tourists and history enthusiasts.
The railway shapes how locals and visitors understand traditional Scottish transport and draws people interested in the region's railway past. You can see how the community keeps this heritage alive through regular operations and displays that reflect transportation from an earlier era.
The station sits on Stewart Road in central Alford with convenient parking and regular bus service from Aberdeen. Bring weather-appropriate clothing since trains run in open-sided carriages and you will be exposed to the elements during the journey.
Visitors can purchase railway sleepers in bronze, silver, or gold tiers through the Adopt A Sleeper program, with their names displayed on the Sleeper Wall of Fame. This initiative lets supporters directly contribute to maintaining the railway while creating a lasting personal connection to the site.
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