The Kyle Line runs through the Scottish Highlands from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh and is officially one of the most scenic train rides in the world. Duirinish is one of its least visited stations.
A train station at the end of one of the most scenic rail routes in the world is one of the least used in the country.
In the never-ending travel quest to find somewhere little-trod and original, you may well be wise to hop on Scotland’s Kyle Line and head for Duirinish.
The Kyle Line runs through the Scottish Highlands from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh and is officially one of the most scenic train rides in the world. JRPASS analysed the most scenic train rides around the world and placed the Scottish entry at fourth, only just behind The Bernina Express in the Swiss Alps, the Flam Railway in Norway and The Glacier Express in Switzerland. This comes after the Bernia Express was dubbed ‘the Hogwarts Express of the Swiss Alps’.
That means that the Kyle Line, which offers some spectacular views of the Scottish Highlands and only costs £32 for a ticket, trumps the Hogwarts Express line when it comes to beautiful railway routes. In the Harry Potter films the fictional line is depicted by the West Coast Railway steam service from Fort William to Mallaig.
However, a hidden gem it is not. When I visited the famous section of curved bridge on that line, several kilt-clad bagpipers were providing mournful entertainment to the hundreds of Potter fans who were braving the mizzle to view the famous viaduct.
If you’re after somewhere much less visited and trumpeted about, then Duirinish on the Kyle Line is a good bet. Trainline recently highlighted it as one of the most underrated, isolated destinations on the UK rail network. A spokesperson for the ticketing app told the Mirror: “The penultimate stop on the Kyle line, the UK’s most remote yet underrated railway, and with only 17 passengers booked via Trainline in the last year, Duirinish is frequently overlooked.
“This quaint township provides insight into crofting, a practice unique to the Highlands, with the opportunity to spot Highland cows thanks to a nearby dedicated tour. Built in 1826 by Thomas Telford, famous for his part in the construction of Somerset House – it has so far retained its heritage, untouched by modern architecture. As it’s a request stop, passengers will need to signal to the driver if they wish to board or get off the train.”
Getting there won’t be much of a hardship. The scenic Kyle Line journey crosses from shore to shore, including Loch Alsh and Hindland scenery, as well as offers views of Isle of Skye. While you’re there, you can get off at the market town of Dingwall for the Far North Line for more distinctive mountain range views and the Torridon Peaks.