Kyle of Lochalsh Line Scotland

Kyle of Lochalsh Line, Scotland

Kyle of Lochalsh Line

Jake Davies

Pulling out of Kyle of Lochalsh Station. — Pulling out of Kyle of Lochalsh Station the mountains of Skye are clearly visible

The Kyle of Lochalsh Line (Kyle Line) offers beautiful scenery between Kyle of Lochalsh on the west coast of Scotland and Dingwall near Inverness on the east coast.

Undoubtedly Scotland has some amazing and beautiful scenery, and much of it can be enjoyed from the comfort of a train.

The West Highland Line that runs from Fort William to Mallaig is considered not only one of the best train rides in the UK but often ranked so in the world.

While the West Highland Line is famous, in part because of its association with the Harry Potter movies and the Jacobite steam train, there are other train lines in Scotland that also offer breathtaking scenery, one being the Kyle of Lochalsh Line (Kyle Line).

Much of the Kyle of Lochalsh Line follows the banks of lochs. — Much of the Kyle of Lochalsh Line follows the banks of lochs

Connections

Connecting Kyle of Lochalsh on the west coast with Dingwall near Inverness on the east coast, this 63 mile route has some stunning views along the coast, the banks of lochs, and through wild mountains. All the trains continue on to Inverness Station in Inverness.

When it opened in 1897 it was the most expensive rail line in the UK on a per mile basis, as a total of 29 bridges and more than 30 cutting through solid rock were needed to carry the line.

There are four trains a day in each direction, except for Sundays. The only stations that are staffed are the two terminals, Kyle of Lochalsh and Dingwall.

Kyle of Lochalsh Station

Kyle of Lochalsh Station has a beautiful setting, extending out into the water on the stone pier from where ferries to the Outer Hebrides and the Isle of Skye used to depart.

The ferries to Skye were discontinued following the construction of the Skye Bridge, and the ferries to Stornaway on Lewis moved to a new ferry port at Ullapool.

The Stornaway ferry is now accessible by bus from Garve, the last station before Dingwall.

Near the head of Loch Carron the mountains of Skye can still be glimpsed. — Near the head of Loch Carron the mountains of Skye can still be glimpsed

Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business. — Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business

Dramatic mountains viewed from the Kyle of Lochalsh railway line. — Dramatic mountain scenery viewed from the Kyle of Lochalsh railway line

Isle of Skye

From the terminal at Kyle of Lochalsh you can take a bus over the Skye Bridge to the Isle of Skye, or take a bus inland to Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most photographed castles in Britain and, indeed, the world.

Dingwall connects with the Far North Line which runs 150 miles up to Wick not far from John o' Groats, and from Inverness you connect with the Aberdeen Line to Aberdeen and the Highland Main Line which will take you to Edinburgh, Glasgow, and points south.

It is possible to connect with the Kyle of Lochalsh Line from the terminus of the West Highland Line at Mallaig by taking the ferry across to Skye, and then taking buses to Kyle of Lochalsh.

Lochalsh Hotel with the Skye Bridge behind. — Lochalsh Hotel with the Skye Bridge behind it as seen from the platform at Kyle of Lochalsh Station

Stunning scenery along the Kyle of Lochalsh Line. — Stunning scenery along the Kyle of Lochalsh Line

Renting a car is another option for getting around this part of Scotland.

Accommodation in Inverness

Hotels in Inverness include the Royal Highland Hotel, the four-star Mercure Inverness Hotel, overlooking the River Ness, and the three-star Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa on Ness Walk. Furthermore, Ness Walk is a five-star property with Wi-Fi, air conditioning, restaurant and continental breakfast. Some rooms at the hotel also have a patio.