The Kyle Line is a culmination of Scotland's railway history. It
joins the Inverness & Aberdeen Junction Railway constructed
between Inverness and Dingwall in 1862, the Dingwall & Skye
Railway built in 1870 to connect Dingwall and Stromeferry, and the
Highland Railway's Kyle Extension that ran from Stromeferry to Kyle
of Lochalsh in 1897.
Nearly 125 years after the trains made their first complete journey
to the coast, the Kyle Line remains a favorite of travelers hoping
to immerse themselves in the Scottish Highlands' natural splendor.
Beginning in Inverness, the train creeps along Beauly Firth's
shores, offering a taste of the beauty to come on the route.
Charming small towns are scattered throughout the landscape, and
the train makes its first stop in Dingwall, the true beginning
point for the Kyle Line. After Dingwall, the towering summit of Ben
Wyvis peeks over the horizon, and then Lochs Luichart and Carron
come into view. Lovely hamlets, quaint villages, peaty bog lands,
open meadows, and rolling terrain are just some of the sights that
lie ahead.
Passengers look over the mighty Torridon Peaks and marvel at the
dense pine trees of the Achnashellach Forest. A bit further, the
scenic village of Plockton emerges, and travelers will notice that
in addition to being timelessly charming, the locale also boasts
palm trees - something not often seen in the Scottish landscape.
Coastal vistas come into sight as the train approaches Kyle.
Beautiful whitewashed buildings complement the deep blue water of
Loch Alsh and the deep green mountains framing the backdrop. In
pursuit of this seaside gem, the train traverses over 80 miles,
crossing those famous hand-constructed bridges and weaving through
rocky mountainscapes at a leisurely pace. The 2-hour, 40-minute
ride is one of many delights.
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