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The green and cream station building of the Caledonian Railway at Brechin.
Angus

Caledonian Railway

A heritage railway running steam and diesel trains four miles from Brechin's old station to the Bridge of Dun, at weekends in summer.

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Welcome

In Brechin, the old terminus of the railway still stands, a long low station of stone and ironwork painted green and cream, with a glass canopy over the platform.

Since 1993 volunteers have run trains again from here, along four miles of the original line to the Bridge of Dun.

On a running day a heritage steam or diesel engine pulls a set of restored carriages from the 1950s out through the fields of the South Esk valley, and at the far end passengers can walk to the river and the old bridge before the return. Special days bring Thomas the Tank Engine for children, and at Christmas the Polar Express.

The trains run at weekends through the summer and for special events, with the timetable on the railway's own site.

Close byBrechin CathedralA cathedral with a round tower of about 1100.2 min by roadSee itChurch nave with wooden pews facing a stained glass window and organ pipes
Before you go

Trains run at weekends through the summer and for special events; the timetable is on the railway's site.

Where
Brechin station, 2 Park Road, Brechin DD9 7AF.
The line
Four miles, Brechin to the Bridge of Dun.
Where it is

From Brechin's old station to the Bridge of Dun, west of Montrose.

Close byBrechin.
  1. The stone buildings and pagoda-roofed kiln of Glencadam Distillery, Brechin.Glencadam DistilleryA distillery in Brechin since 1825, which opened a visitor centre with tours, tastings, a cafe and a whisky bar for its two hundredth year.Under a mile2 min by road
  2. The River South Esk running clear over rocks between wooded banks.River South EskUnder a mile2 min by road
  3. Green sign reading "Garden Centre Coffee Shop" above a shop entrance with £1 pounder displaysBrechin Castle CentreA garden centre, coffee shop and seventy-acre country park at Haughmuir on the edge of Brechin, open every day.2 miles4 min by road
  4. Bridge of DunBridge of DunA three-arched bridge of 1787 at the end of the line.5 miles10 min by road
  5. The red-roofed kiln at Barry Mill in its wooded dell.Barry MillA working water mill of 1814 near Carnoustie.21 miles33 min by road
Directions
Church nave with wooden pews facing a stained glass window and organ pipesAttractionsBrechin Cathedral0.5 miles
Sandstone mansion with columned entrance, chimneys and flag against a cloudy skyAttractionsHouse of Dun5.0 miles
Sinclair's Larder's purple shopfront and planted terrace on Edzell High Street.RestaurantsSinclair’s Larder5.9 miles
The Aberlemno serpent stone, a leaning slab carved with a serpent and symbols.AttractionsAberlemno Pictish Stones6.1 miles
Rusted boat rests beneath the brick arches of a river viaductAttractionsMontrose Basin6.5 miles
Edzell Castle's red ruin and its walled garden seen from the air.AttractionsEdzell Castle7.0 miles
The North Esk tumbling through its wooded gorge among autumn leaves.WalksEdzell Blue Door Walk7.1 miles
Walker in yellow coat balances on frosty rocks beside a riverAttractionsRiver North Esk7.5 miles
RAF Tornado ZD744 stored in a hangar with squadron crests on the wallAttractionsMontrose Air Station Museum8.0 miles
Stay nearby

Places to stay near the railway, and when each is next free.

Timber cabin with metal roof and decking surrounded by woodland treesNorth Lodge and River Cabin
  • Sleeps 6
  • In Banchory
  • 16 miles from the Caledonian Railway
Free 11–13 NovA stone farmhouse covered in climbing ivy stands behind a gravel drive, seen through overhanging pine branches.Cuttieshillock
  • Sleeps 6
  • In Strachan
  • 16 miles from the Caledonian Railway
Free 16–18 OctA stone cottage with dormer windows sits behind a low blue gate, a rose-covered archway framing the front door.Gamekeeper’s Cottage
  • Sleeps 6
  • In Strachan
  • 16 miles from the Caledonian Railway
Free 2–4 NovA stone steading with a slated pyramid roof and a chimney stands behind a green nameplate sign, a chair visible through the window.No 2 Steading Cottage at Glendye
  • Sleeps 4
  • In Strachan
  • 16 miles from the Caledonian Railway
Free 18–20 OctPlaces to stayEvery stay in AngusAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
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