If you want to take a leisurely venture north of Inverness, then the Far North Line to Thurso and Wick is a great way to see the magnificent scenery from a different point of view.
You’ll pass salmon rivers, golf courses, and castles whilst the Duke of Sutherland’s towering statue on Ben Bhraggie – a monument that brings to mind the Highland Clearances – is visible for miles.
Travel the Far North and you begin to see how remote and wild Scotland can be. You will follow the dramatic North Sea coast past distilleries, and magical castles like Carbisdale before arriving at great destinations such as Lairg (the gateway to the north and west) and the picturesque station at Rogart.
Rogart’s station is one of a kind. It’s not just that it’s full of colour, with gorgeous floral displays on the platform and a collection of old railway carriages and artefacts. It also has a bijou mini exhibition in the waiting shelter. Opened in 2019 the display gives you a flavour of the station’s history. You may also get a personal welcome from a very tame robin that might even eat from your hand.
Why not make Rogart your overnight stay before exploring further north? There’s plenty of accommodation within walking distance of the station and plenty to see and do whilst you’re here.
The line goes on from Rogart to the summer-only, Arts and Crafts-style station at Dunrobin Castle before plunging inland to the once-populated strath of Kildonan where the ancient tundra-like landscape stretches for miles. This is the vast expanse of the Flow Country, the biggest peat bog in the world. Here the train stops at the tiniest of stations like Forsinard and Altnabreac, as it threads its way to Thurso, the northernmost station on the British mainland.
The final destinations are the once-mighty fishing port and royal burgh of Wick and Thurso. But this may not be the end of your journey as, from here, you can go on to explore the Orkney islands by ferry.
We think you’ll find the train is a brilliant way to discover Sutherland and Caithness. Just sit back, relax and take in the constantly-changing view.