Then northernmost region of the United Kingdom is a beautiful yet somewhat remote part of the world. The rolling hills, greenery, and ocean are the perfect backdrop for a Scottish trip far away from it all and as it turns out, you can very well discover the region by train. The Far North Line, as the route is called, is a train line spanning from Inverness to Thurso and Wick which is widely considered to be the UK’s most remote train route.
The Far North Line is located in Scotland, where it covers 168 miles (270 kilometres), connecting Inverness to Thurso and Wick in 4 hours and 30 minutes. Since its completion in 1874, it has been servicing 26 stations along the way, seven of which are so-called ‘press and ride’ stops: Culrain, Dunrobin Castle, Invershin, Kildonan, Kinbrace, Rogart, and Scotscalder. If a passenger want to get off or on the train at one of these stations, they need to make this known by pressing a button in advance. It no one pushes the button, the train speeds through the station.
Each day, eight trains service the Far North Line and ticket prices remain fairly affordable. Depending on the time of purchase, fares range from £16 (€19) to £28 (€33) for the entire journey of 4 hours and 30 minutes.
A route with many sights worth seeing
Many social media users have been calling the route the most scenic one in the United Kingdom. Although there is no official ranking to support such claims, the typically Scottish landscapes that can be seen while travelling the route are certainly worth your while.
Moreover, multiple sights are located along the train’s route. One of particular interest is the Flow Country; it is the only peatland registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The peat bog covers no less than 4,000 square kilometres and makes for a unique ecosystem, well enjoyed by nature lovers.
To make your life as a tourist easier, Visit Scotland has put together a whole Far North Line itinerary, complete with everything you need to see in the region.
“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 Spirit of Scotland Travel Pass on the Far North Line, which gets you four-days of unlimited travel over eight consecutive days for £149, or eight-days unlimited travel over fifteen consecutive days for £189”, the organisation writes.
From the quaint market borough of Dingwall that has been strategically important sine 800 AD to the largest house in the Highlands Dunrobin Castle and the busy fishing harbour Wick: there’s something to see and do for everyone.
Those who are considering making the journey should know, however, that the line will be closed between Sunday 8 June and Monday 30 June 2025 as Network Rail will be investing £11,500,000 towards improving the route.
