Far North Line: window card

About this journey

The Far North Line leaves Inverness beside the Beauly Firth, reaches Dingwall and continues around the Cromarty Firth towards Invergordon and Tain. An inland loop through Ardgay, Invershin and Lairg precedes the coastal stretch through Golspie, Brora and Helmsdale. The route then turns up the Strath of Kildonan and crosses the Flow Country around Forsinard. Georgemas Junction is the junction for Thurso and Wick. The published stopping pattern determines how the two northern termini fit into a particular journey.

Decide between Thurso and Wick before making the rest of the plan. ScotRail describes Thurso as the northernmost station in the British Isles and Wick as an old herring port. They are distinct destinations, not interchangeable names at the far end of the line. The railway heads towards Thurso from Georgemas Junction and then returns towards Wick on the relevant itinerary. Your booking should name the town you actually want, especially when arranging accommodation or another onward journey.

The coast is only one part of the experience. ScotRail's route description follows the Beauly and Cromarty firths, an inland section and the return towards the Sutherland shore. Further north, Forsinard introduces the Flow Country. Give that change of character time to register. A good way to enjoy the ride is to note just a few landmarks and otherwise let the view surprise you.

The coastal sections favour the right northbound, with the return recommendation reversed. Once the line turns inland, watch both sides. A recommended window is useful for choosing a seat, but it should not make the opposite landscape seem unimportant. If you are travelling with someone else, share the occasional view across the carriage without turning the journey into constant seat-swapping. A comfortable position for a long ride is worth keeping.

The Flow Country gives this journey a distinctive destination as well as a distinctive view. The RSPB reserve at Forsinard lets you explore the peatland landscape from its trails and lookout, with the visitor centre in the former station building. If that is the main reason for your visit, devote the break to it instead of treating it as one more stop on a rushed trip to the terminus. Alternatively, enjoy the landscape from the train and save the reserve for another journey.

Window card questions