<a href="http://pigyard.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/speyside-steam-railway1.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-3968" src="http://pigyard.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/speyside-steam-railway1-225x300.jpg" alt="speyside-steam-railway1" width="225" height="300" /></a>Whatever age there is something fascinating about steam trains. A combination of the rhythm of the train on old tracks, the constant chuffing as it pulls out from the station and the evocative smell of coal smoke and steam.

Today Tony drove me down to Broomhill, just south of Grantown, and we went on the Speyside railway pulled by this beautiful steam engine.

The trip took just half an hour and gave us wonderful views of the Highlands as we wound our way into Aviemore.

<a href="http://pigyard.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/speyside-steam-railway2.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-3967" src="http://pigyard.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/speyside-steam-railway2-300x225.jpg" alt="speyside-steam-railway2" width="300" height="225" /></a>We had a couple of hours to kill before our return trip so we strolled out of town for lunch and then did a bit of shopping.

I was dragged screaming and kicking into Fat Face because Tony was after a new top and fifteen minutes later I was walking out with a bag and he was empty handed. How on earth did that happen?

A gentle return journey with the sunshine casting shadows through the wooded areas we travelled through. Another perfect day.