{"id":1258,"date":"2025-04-28T10:54:06","date_gmt":"2025-04-28T10:54:06","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/?p=1258"},"modified":"2025-04-29T13:06:15","modified_gmt":"2025-04-29T13:06:15","slug":"the-uks-remotest-train-journey-costs-16-60-and-passes-by-a-unique-natural-wonder","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.mugfoundry.com\/index.php\/2025\/04\/28\/the-uks-remotest-train-journey-costs-16-60-and-passes-by-a-unique-natural-wonder\/","title":{"rendered":"The UK\u2019s remotest train journey costs \u00a316.60 and passes by a unique natural wonder"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The UK\u2019s northernmost train journey even has a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Picture: Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A \u2018rail<\/a> renaissance\u2019 has seen holidaymakers increasingly swapping planes for trains<\/a> of late, opting for breathtaking views<\/a> and a slower journey<\/a> over airports and stress.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking for something a little closer to home, the UK\u2019s most remote railway adventure might prove tempting \u2013 and it takes approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes.<\/p>\n

The Far North Line<\/strong> is the northernmost railway journey in the UK, covering 26 stations across 168 miles of Scotland<\/a> and stretching from Inverness<\/a> up to Thurso and Wick.<\/p>\n

The service has been chugging along since 1862, when the Inverness to Ardgay route opened. It was finally completed in 1874, with the launch of the Sutherland to Caithness line.<\/p>\n

In true old-fashioned style, there are still seven request stops along the line \u2013 including Culrain, Dunrobin Castle, Invershin, Kildonan, Kinbrace, Rogart, and Scotscalder.<\/p>\n

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The journey covers 168 miles of Scotland (Picture: National Railway Museum)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration.\u00a0Sign up here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

But be warned: if you want to get off here, you\u2019ll need to remember to push the button (Alexa, play Sugababes) as early as possible \u2013 ideally 20 minutes before the train\u2019s designated arrival time.<\/p>\n

If it hasn\u2019t been done at least five minutes before, then it won\u2019t be stopping at all, so remember to set an alarm if you want to risk a nap along the way.<\/p>\n

Tickets are relatively affordable too, with a single fare between Inverness and Wick costing anywhere between \u00a328 on the day to around \u00a316.60 further in advance.<\/p>\n

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@thenomadscotsman<\/a> <\/p>\n

Lets take a journey on the Far North Line! \ud83d\ude82\ud83c\udff4\udb40\udc67\udb40\udc62\udb40\udc73\udb40\udc63\udb40\udc74\udb40\udc7f #scotrail<\/a> #PrimarkSummerUp<\/a> #wick<\/a> #inverness<\/a> #travel<\/a> #scotland<\/a> #scottish<\/a> #train<\/a> #amazing<\/a> #highlands<\/a> #enjoy<\/a><\/p>\n

\u266c Air F\u00e0ir An L\u00e0 \u2013 Niteworks<\/a> <\/section>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

Posting over on the r\/uktrains Subreddit<\/a>, various users described the Far North Line as the \u2018most scenic train route\u2019 in the UK. <\/p>\n

Other honourable mentions went to the Carlisle to Settle line<\/a>, which cuts right through the middle of the Yorkshire Dales, as well as the Cumbrian Coast Line, and the Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth\u00a0service.<\/p>\n

On X, formerly Twitter, @IanBeardsley90 recently took his first trip on the Far North Line in approximately 20 years. He was \u2018surprised at how quiet the trains were,\u2019 and noted that the \u2018scenery is stunningly beautiful.\u2019<\/p>\n

And for The Piddly Stations Guy (@PiddlyStations), the Far North Line is instantly lovable.<\/p>\n

\u20188 trains a day. Serving some remote middle of nowhere communities,\u2019 he wrote. \u2018It\u2019ll never be Thameslink or Castlefield corridor, but it\u2019s there for a reason.\u2019<\/p>\n

Things to do along the Far North Line<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Naturally, there are plenty of stunning sights to see along the way \u2013 including the Flow Country, which is the world\u2019s first and only peatland UNESCO World Heritage Site. This particular peat bog is the largest in Europe and covers a whopping 4,000 square kilometres.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll also pass Skibo Castle, Carbisdale Castle, and even Dunrobin Castle \u2013 which is still the seat of the Earls and Dukes of Sutherland. <\/p>\n

If you want to stop off here before you get back on, all you need to do is show your train ticket to get discounted entry.<\/p>\n

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@thechaoticscot<\/a> <\/p>\n

Travelling to remote places on public transport is my absolute favourite \u2728 \ud83d\udccc \u2018The Flow Country\u2019, Forsinard \ud83d\ude86 Far North Line from Inverness #Scotland<\/a> #ScotlandTikTok<\/a> #TravelTikTok<\/a> #VisitScotland<\/a> #ScotlandTravel<\/a> #RailTravel<\/a> #HiddenScotland<\/a> #ScotlandStaycation<\/a> <\/p>\n

\u266c My Silver Lining \u2013 First Aid Kit<\/a> <\/section>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

Thinking about splitting up the journey and taking it a little slower? Visit Scotland<\/a> recommends taking three days to visit the \u2018unspoiled\u2019 landscapes, suggesting departing Inverness on the first day and stopping off at Dingwall and then Invergordon.<\/p>\n

From then, there\u2019s the option of taking the Far North Line from Tain to Dunrobin Castle. <\/p>\n

This part of the route is inundated with villages, castles, and even Scotland\u2019s oldest Royal Burgh. And if you\u2019re that way inclined, Tain is famous for its 18-hole golf course, as well as the Glenmorangie Distillery.<\/p>\n

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\u00a311,500,000 is being invested in improving the line (Picture: National Railway Museum)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On the final day following the line, which suggests travelling from Helmsdale to Wick, the final few stops include Forsinard (which is in the heart of the boggy peatland) and of course, Thurso and Wick.<\/p>\n

Thinking about making the journey? It\u2019s about to become a lot more swish, as Network Rail<\/a> has confirmed it\u2019ll be investing \u00a311,500,000 towards improving the line this June.<\/p>\n

The money will refurbish a five-mile section of track between Brora and Helmsdale and replace close to nine miles between Invergordon and Fearn.<\/p>\n

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