The far north of Scotland is home to unspoiled landscapes perfect for a relaxing break, but it's still easy to get there by train. Trains run north from Inverness to Thurso and onto Wick in just four and a half hours. Use the
After leaving
Far North Line stops to get off and explore:
Dingwall has been an important place in the Highlands, ever since the arrival of the Vikings in Scotland in 800 AD. It has an ideal position at the head of the Cromarty Firth which has seen it prosper from the North Sea oil boom.
Dingwall is a quaint market borough, thanks to its attractive High Street lined with red-sandstone buildings and excellent cafés and shops.
The Far North Line moves towards the coast now, heading along the Dornoch Firth as far as Culrain and across the Kyle of Sutherland. You'll then head inland again through endless expanses of rolling farmland. At the last moment, the line veers east again to meet the North Sea.
This part of the route is lined with several rural town stations, all great to explore. Look out for Scotland's oldest Royal Burgh, pretty villages and romantic castles.
Tain is a scenic and historic town, renowned for its
The west entrance of the delightful Carbisdale Woods sits just outside Culrain, and has lovely views of the Kyle of Sutherland, as well as the Dornoch Firth.
Take the leisurely footpath into the Kyle of Sutherland via a footbridge to Invershin, where there are bus services available to and from Lairg, Bonar Bridge, Ardgay and Tain.
A little further west of Culrain is a hamlet called Hilton. From there you can walk or cycle via forest tracks to Ardgay and into the delightful Strathcarron.
Rogart sits beside
Many more shy creatures can also be found in the enchanted Balblair Wood among shady glades, and clearings carpeted with wildflowers and berries. It also offers a playground for mountain bikers with two waymarked cycle paths filled with plenty of twists and turns.
The magnificent Dunrobin Castle is the largest house in the Highlands. Crowned with a myriad of fairytale towers and turrets, Dunrobin is unique for resembling a vast French château rather than the baronial stronghold typical of the Highlands. It has a whopping 189 rooms, making it one of the biggest homes in the country. In fact, it's one of Britain's oldest continuously inhabited houses dating back to the early 1300s, and was home to the Earls and, later, the Dukes of Sutherland.
Its lavishly furnished interior, sprawling formal gardens, and grounds which stretch as far as the sea, are nothing short of breathtaking. It's even said to have a ghost...
Dunrobin Castle is also one of Britain's oldest continuously inhabited houses dating back to the early 1300s, and was home to the Earls and, later, the Dukes of Sutherland.
For your third day following the Far North Line, you'll go to Helmsdale in Flow Country, a vast expanse of peaty bogland. This landscape might look pretty empty, but it's home to an extremely precious peatland ecosystem unique in the world and protected by the RSPB. The final stretch of the line sees the train head north first to Thurso. It then comes back again and finishes in the east at Wick.
Helmsdale is an old herring port with white-washed housing clustered against the hills. It's one of the most picturesque stops on the rail line.
Dating from the 1800s it was built to accommodate inland settlers forcibly evicted from their homes during the Highland Clearances. The Emigrants Statue looking out to sea is a poignant memorial to this part of Scottish history. Find out more at the
The
Stop off at the remote Forsinard to visit RSPB Forsinard Flows in summer when this protected boggy peatland comes alive with breeding golden plovers, hen harriers and greenshank, buzzing insects and flourishing plantlife.
Thurso is the most northerly town in mainland Scotland. Perched on the north coast of Caithness, its view extends to the cliffs of Dunnet Head, the Isle of Hoy, and at least one Orcadian isle on a clear day.
Wick is a bustling harbour town with a busy fishing industry. It even boasts its own airport!
Wick's ornate, sturdy buildings recall a medley of influences and time periods. Immerse yourself fully in the history at the