The Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh railway, Inverness

...back in January this year. The summer service may well be different therefore from the one in operation during the winter months.

It's safe to say that the rolling stock isn't the operating company's best equipment. The twin cars used on both the outbound and return journeys (a change of set was carried out at Kyle) both suffered from poor (or in the case of the return trip, non-existent) heating - the driver sympathised with us but ...
...for future customers. The seats were reasonably comfortable for what was a one-way trip of just over 2 hours, although the seats with tables in 1st Class are the best bet, allowing a little more leg room and space to put bags, etc. The guard was friendly and tickets can be bought on the train (a handy option since the station office at Dingwall was shut) - several people were taking advantage of this.

This was a Friday in January and ... more

I travelled from Dingwall to Kyle and back in January this year. The summer service may well be different therefore from the one in operation during the winter months.

It's safe to say that the rolling stock isn't the operating company's best equipment. The twin cars used on both the outbound and return journeys (a change of set was carried out at Kyle) both suffered from poor (or in the case of the return trip, non-existent) heating - the driver sympathised with us but could only report the fault and hope it was fixed for future customers. The seats were reasonably comfortable for what was a one-way trip of just over 2 hours, although the seats with tables in 1st Class are the best bet, allowing a little more leg room and space to put bags, etc. The guard was friendly and tickets can be bought on the train (a handy option since the station office at Dingwall was shut) - several people were taking advantage of this.

This was a Friday in January and there was only one service to Kyle all day - leaving Dingwall at 1120, arriving at Kyle around 1330 and departing again at 1515, returning to Dingwall about 1730. Make sure you know the timetable as there may not be a suitable alternative means of transport available if you miss the train!

A tip - sit on the right hand side of the train if possible going to Kyle, and the left returning to Dingwall or Inverness. You will see the best views.

For many people, the attraction of the Kyle line is its scenic nature - arguably the line with the best views in the whole of the UK. From Dingwall to Lochluichart the views are mainly of trees although Loch Garve provides a welcome break in the monotony. Beyond Garve station the line swings to the left away from the main Dingwall-Ullapool road, following the northern edge of Loch Luichart instead. Lochluichart and the next station, Achanalt, are both request stops, so the train often simply slows down at each place rather than stopping entirely. The latter is simply a hamlet with a couple of houses and a lodge alongside the Garve-Achnasheen road. The hills above the Strathbran forest now come into view.

Achnasheen station marks the watershed on the line, from here the track runs south-westwards and down towards Loch Carron and the west coast. Watch out for deer close to the railway line - I saw five really close to the fence (and another inside the fence!) just minutes after leaving Achnasheen. They didn't bolt as much as when encountering cars or walkers - excellent photo opportunities!

Further along, towards Strathcarron station, and once you've got a couple of mile beyond Loch Dughaill, look back at the mountains north of the line, and you'll spot "Wellington's Nose" (the mountain's real name is Fuar Tholl), a feature that looks like a face in profile staring directly upwards.

Beyond Strathcarron the line follows the southern shoreline of Loch Carron very tightly, with only the road to Kyle between it and the mountains behind. As the line bends around the various bays and inlets between Strathcarron and Strome Ferry (the old ferry landing point before the road was built), watch for otters and herons directly below the train on the shore. I counted a couple of otters and at least a dozen herons - the otters were spooked a little by the train but there was still enough time to see them. You should also try to tear your eyes away from this to see across the loch to Lochcarron itself, a long strung-out village with the mountains of the Applecross Peninsula behind.

Beyond Strome Ferry, the views open out as Loch Carron gives way to open water. Plockton station is a popular destination during the summer as it is a picturesque location - although there is a bit of a steep walk uphill again to the station after visiting the village. You are now spoilt for choices regarding what to look at - the mountains around Applecross and the Torridon peaks beyond, the islands of Scalpay, Pabay, the Crowlins or Raasay, or the Cuillin Hills on Skye beyond.

Entering Kyle itself is a little bit of an anti-climax as the approach to the station is a little unkempt and derelict. However, the station itself is clean and tidy (if a little exposed to the January elements!). It is also adjacent to Loch Alsh and commands reasonable views itself. There is a cafe and shop in the station although both were shut for the winter. Indeed, there wasn't a great deal open in the village apart from the Co-op and a small art gallery - but then those who take the Kyle line will probably do so primarily for the views available from the train. 

...less