A few days in Inverness

[mikeg]

I'm going to Inverness on the Chieftan on the 15th, returning on the 19th, planning to get the 1248 as I believe this should be worked by a HST - though I've not booked my ticket back yet. Managed to get a first class advance on the way there for not much more than the SVS, standard advance availability seems poor to nonexistent and splitting doesn't seem to help much. So will probably buy an SVS on the day.

I've yet to do the Kyle of Lochalsh and Far North Lines. Is there any one you'd recommend over the other - I plan to do both but in case I only end up doing one? Also may get an HST to Aberdeen but not decided on that yet. Any suggestions for tourist attractions around Inverness? Doesn't have to be actually in Inverness but must be accessible by public tranpsort. As for tickets, I'm guessing rovers are immune to the abolition of peak/off peak in Scotland and that restrictions still apply? If that's the case I'll probably end up buying returns

 

[pokemonsuper9]

I would recommend the Far North Line over the Kyle line, the far North Line (I was the only person in the carriage) was far quieter than the Kyle line (completely full) for me, in addition to being more scenic (in my opinion).

When I was up there for a week 1.5 years ago I went on all 3 (Far North, Kyle, and Aberdeen), obviously it depends on how you want to spend your time.

 

[DaventryRabbit]

Scottish Rovers are subject to the normal 0900 weekday bar. The Highland Rover is barred on ARRIVALS into Aberdeen or Inverness pre 0900 Weekdays, otherwise unresricted.

 

[ainsworth74]

I would recommend the Far North Line over the Kyle line, the far North Line (I was the only person in the carriage) was far quieter than the Kyle line (completely full) for me, in addition to being more scenic (in my opinion).

Whereas I'd say the opposite! I think the Kyle line is far more scenic than the Far North (though it has it's charms!). Admittedly there's less to do at the Kyle end than in Wick/Thurso as Kyle is a much smaller settlement. One thing you could do is bounce straight back from Kyle (say arrive on the 1131 and then depart on the 1206) and get off at Plockton (two stops down the line) and have a wander into town there (about a ten/fifteen minute walk) and find somewhere nice for lunch as there's a few hotels that do food (might be worth checking they're open this time of year though, I was there in the summer!) before catching a train back to Inverness from Plockton. Probably only doable in good weather mind you.

 

[VT 390]

I've yet to do the Kyle of Lochalsh and Far North Lines. Is there any one you'd recommend over the other

I find the Kyle line more scenic, especially between Strathcarron and Kyle of Lochalsh (sit on the right when departing from Inverness). You get great views on the whole route and the relatively low line speed of between 25-40mph on the line between Dingwall and Kyle makes it even more enjoyable with more time to take in the views.

The Far North line is still very nice, I especially like the coastal section between Brora and Helmsdale and the remote landscape between Helmsdale and Altnabreac.

But if you can only fit 1 line in I would definitely choose the Kyle line, which is comparable (if not better in places) than even the West Highland line.

 

[VT 390]

I would recommend the Far North Line over the Kyle line, the far North Line (I was the only person in the carriage) was far quieter than the Kyle line (completely full) for me,

This can be very variable depending on the time of day/year and service you get as I have have been on far more quiet services to Kyle with most services I have used on the Far North being relatively busy.

 

[Skiddaw]

Any suggestions for tourist attractions around Inverness? Doesn't have to be actually in Inverness but must be accessible by public tranpsort.

Culloden battlefield is worth a visit. It's only a few miles outside Inverness and there's a regular (hourly if I recall) bus service.

 

[mikeg]

Thanks for all of your suggestions so far! I see I've inspired a healthy debate on the merits of Kyle v. Far North, Plockton looks a good place to grab lunch and I wouldn't have thought of Culloden battlefield but may give it a visit. I think I'll probably do the far north in one go each way, I was tempted to break my journey at Altnabreac just to annoy a certain couple though!

 

[Stathern Jc]

The Castle has been renovated and opened as a tourist attraction earlier this year, I've heard it's good so it's on the to do list.

If you're looking for a bite in Inverness the food court in the Victorian Market (almost directly opposite the main station entrance) is well worth a look.
Some excellent local providers there. I wouldn't push any above the others but you can get an amazing bowl of Cullen Skink.

A distillery visit could be an option?
Glen Ord at Muir of Ord, Benromach at Forres and Strathisla at Keith all do very good tours and are an easy walk from their local station, and there will be others.
For my Son in Law's stag day we did the "blending" tour at Strathisla, part of the Chivas Bros group. After the tour we were taken upstairs to do our own blending experiment, and then take home the unique product. Ever since I've described it as "The best big boy's chemistry set I've ever seen".

Possibly seasonal, but other possibilities include:

• The Loch Ness cruise
• The "Dolphin Spirit" cruise in the Inner Moray Firth, enjoying the view and looking out for wildlife including the dolphins
• The Orkney Bus Tour. An early start to that one but a chance of a taster to whet the appetite for a longer visit.

As well as a walk along the river, a walk along the path beside the canal to Clachnaharry is worthwhile.
No need to turn back when you get to the swing bridge. Carry on the extra quarter mile to the sea lock, the all round view there is outstanding.

 

[sh24]

Another vote for Kyle over the Far North, and Plockton is a fine place to break your journey.

 

[Kite159]

One potential idea could be to do the morning Stagecoach service from Inverness to Thurso (seeing as that's capped to £2) which gives 2 hours at Thurso before the last southbound 158. Not sure if ScotRail do advance fares for Thurso - Inverness.

 

[Bevan Price]

Ideally both Kyle and far North, but if you only have one day, you can do 08:55 Inverness - Kyle, return on 12:00 from Kyle as far as Dingwall. Change there, and you can do part of the far North line, returning south on the 16:00 Wick - Inverness.
Check timetable or RTT to see how far north you can get (Do not rely on "zero minute" connections northbound to southbound)

Note at this time of year, part of the return trip from Wick will be in darkness.

(The Spirit of Scotland travelpass has no time restrictions North of Inverness)

 

[Hophead]

One potential idea could be to do the morning Stagecoach service from Inverness to Thurso (seeing as that's capped to £2) which gives 2 hours at Thurso before the last southbound 158. Not sure if ScotRail do advance fares for Thurso - Inverness.

And the advantage to doing this is that you get a different route. Where the railway wanders inland, the A9 takes in a more coastal route over some new bridges. I'll be doing the route in reverse (train out, Ember back) in a couple of months.

 

[SuspectUsual]

I think the choice between the far north and Kyle lines depends on whether the OP has previously done the West Highland line, or has plans to do so in the future. To my mind the Kyle line is quite similar to parts of the West Highland, whereas the far north is unlike anywhere else. And scenic is a very subjective term anyway.

 

[Kite159]

And the advantage to doing this is that you get a different route. Where the railway wanders inland, the A9 takes in a more coastal route over some new bridges. I'll be doing the route in reverse (train out, Ember back) in a couple of months.

Indeed, and when I did part of the bus route at the northern end a few years back (when the first southbound train got cancelled and Scotrail had acceptance with the bus) it was quite a nice scenic route.

 

[Struner]

In Inverness you can easily spend a day in Leakey’s!

 

[vlad]

Another vote for the Far North Line here - I thought it was far more varied and interesting than the Kyle Line. You've got the unusual detour via Thurso for example.

One of these days I need to go back and stop off at a few places en route.

 

[Mozd]

I recommend a walk from the centre of Inverness up to the end of the Caledonian Canal. It's interesting, quiet - and slightly spooky. Also walking along the river and on the islands is pleasant, esp in the evening

 

[Iskra]

Kyle Line is well worth doing.

Fort George is also a cracking place, it’s a bus and a pleasant walk.

 

[WolvertonWorks]

I recommend a walk from the centre of Inverness up to the end of the Caledonian Canal. It's interesting, quiet - and slightly spooky. Also walking along the river and on the islands is pleasant, esp in the evening

Agreed.

A few years ago we broke our train journey from Edinburgh to Thurso, en route to Orkney, by staying two nights in Inverness.

We were staying near the Cathedral and river and walked along the north bank out to Carnarc point, followed the path through the nature reserve to the Canal.
Try and time it for when a train crosses the railway swing bridge.

We then walked along the Canal to the cemetery, then through Queens Park to pick up the river Ness again and explore the Ness Islands and back along the river to our starting place.

Very enjoyable and interesting walk.

 

[ian1944]

If you're into such things, the large Tomnahurich cemetery (about a mile south west of Ness Bridge, on the A82) is a spectacular example. On a wooded hill with a viewpoint at the top, supposedly has "tombstones and structures of historic and architectural interest".