Scenic Rail Journeys from Inverness

Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands, is a city steeped in history and surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. While hiring a car is a popular way to explore the area, there is another option that allows you to sit back, relax, and take in the breathtaking scenery – scenic train journeys. In this guide, we will take you on a journey through the Kyle Line, Far North Line, and a castle stop that you will never forget, all starting from Inverness.

The Kyle Line

The Kyle Line is a 67-mile railway route that runs from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh, passing through some of the most picturesque landscapes in Scotland. The journey takes approximately two and a half hours, but trust us, you won’t want it to end.

Leaving Inverness, the train will take you through the stunning Beauly Firth, where you can catch glimpses of dolphins and seals if you’re lucky. As you continue on, the train will pass through the charming villages of Muir of Ord and Dingwall before reaching the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands.

One of the highlights of the journey is crossing the famous Glen Carron viaduct, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and lochs. Keep your camera handy, as you won’t want to miss capturing this moment.

The train will then make its way through the picturesque villages of Strathcarron and Plockton, where you can spot the iconic Eilean Donan Castle in the distance. This 13th-century castle is perched on a small island and is one of the most photographed castles in Scotland. The train will make a brief stop at Kyle of Lochalsh, giving you the perfect opportunity to hop off and explore this charming village before making your way back to Inverness.

Far North Line

If you’re looking for a longer, but equally scenic, train journey, the Far North Line is the perfect choice. This 172-mile route takes you from Inverness to the northernmost point of mainland Britain, Thurso, passing through some of the most remote and untouched landscapes in Scotland.

As the train leaves Inverness, you will be treated to stunning views of the Cromarty Firth and the Black Isle. The train will then make its way through the rugged landscapes of Sutherland, where you can spot deer and other wildlife roaming freely.

One of the highlights of this journey is the crossing of the Dornoch Firth, where you can catch a glimpse of the famous Dornoch Castle. This 15th-century castle is now a luxurious hotel, but you can still admire its grandeur from the train.

As you continue on, the train will pass through the charming towns of Golspie and Brora before reaching the final stop, Thurso. From here, you can take a short bus ride to the nearby village of John O’Groats, known as the end of the road in Britain.

A Castle Stop You Will Never Forget

No trip to Scotland is complete without a visit to a castle, and the scenic train journeys from Inverness offer the perfect opportunity to do just that. As mentioned before, the Kyle Line passes by the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, but there is another castle stop that you will never forget – Dunrobin Castle.

Located on the Far North Line, Dunrobin Castle is a 13th-century castle that resembles a French chateau. As the train approaches the station, you will be greeted by the magnificent castle perched on a cliff overlooking the sea. The train will make a brief stop, giving you enough time to take a photo or two before continuing on your journey.

Practical Route Notes

Both the Kyle Line and Far North Line are operated by ScotRail, and trains run daily from Inverness. It is recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak season, to secure a seat and possibly get a better deal. You can also opt for a first-class ticket, which offers more comfortable seating and complimentary snacks and drinks.

What to Look Out For

Apart from the stunning landscapes and castles, keep an eye out for the local wildlife during your train journey. You may spot red deer, Highland cows, and even golden eagles along the way. Also, make sure to have your camera ready at all times, as you never know when you will come across a picture-perfect moment.

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