This ‘Magic’ UK Seaside Train Route Has Been Named One of the Best in Europe

Not all train journeys are made equal. Sometimes, hopping on a locomotive is just a way of getting where you’re going. Head down, eyes in a book, or (more likely) staring at your phone screen. Other times the train ride itself is the destination, your face glued to the glass as you take in jaw-dropping views and stunning vistas which wouldn’t be accessible on foot or by car. 

Luckily for us Brits, we don’t have to travel very far to experience one of Europe’s most scenic coastal railroads. The Guardian has just published a list of the continent’s best coastal train lines, and one is right here in the UK. 

The line in question is the ScotRail route from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh. The 83-mile trip takes about 2 hours and 40 minutes, travelling across the width of the Scottish Highlands from the east. As for what you’ll see, the staggering views start practically from the moment the train leaves the station. Just half an hour out from Inverness, you’ll be hit with the dramatic expanse of water that is Cromarty Firth to your right as the train approaches Dingwall. Later, the west coast sea lochs take centre stage as the train runs down to the Atlantic coast at Kyle.

‘The last 20 minutes down to Kyle bring a magic panorama of coast, headlands and islands. The sun sparkles on Loch Carron with glorious views north to the wild Applecross peninsula. Seals shuffle for safety as we approach Duncraig and all too soon we are pulling into Kyle of Lochalsh,’ the Guardian said.

Plus, if that wasn’t enough to convince you, the trip also won’t break the bank, with tickets starting at £32 for a single. That leaves plenty of budget left over for travel snacks. Sounds like a win-win to us. You can read the Guardian’s full feature here.

Did you see that Europe’s most expensive city for tourist accommodation is in Scotland?

Plus: this colourful city with hundreds of murals is officially the best place in the UK for street art.