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McKinlay Kidd · Tailor-made rail holiday

Slowly Through the North Highlands by Train

Self-guided rail journey through Scotland's remote North Highlands

Illustration of Slowly Through the North Highlands by Train

McKinlay Kidd's Slowly Through the North Highlands by Train is a nine-day self-guided rail journey for travellers ready to unwind into Scotland's remote far north. The tour leaves Inverness and follows the Far North Line, one of Britain's most remote railways, through the Cromarty and Dornoch Firths to Royal Dornoch, then north through some of the country's quietest stations to Thurso and finally into the Flow Country, mainland Britain's remotest region. Along the way, you stay in four small communities for two nights each, giving time to explore local museums, beaches, and shops without rushing. Highlights include a small-group cruise on Loch Ness, a visit to Dunrobin Castle, and a private guided day tour of the North Coast covering Dunnet Head and the Duncansby Stacks. Eight nights include bed and breakfast plus two dinners; most days are unstructured, leaving room for optional activities like a distillery visit or an Orkney day trip. This pace suits repeat rail travellers and independent explorers seeking slower travel in a genuinely remote corner of the UK.

What to know before you look closer

  • The tour is self-guided on most days; only the Loch Ness cruise and the North Coast & Flow Country day (Day 7) are guided group or private experiences.
  • The single traveller supplement is £1,085, substantially above half the double-occupancy price.
  • Dunrobin Castle entrance fee and optional Orkney day trip are not included and require advance booking for the latter.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Inverness

    Inverness

    Arrive in the Highland capital, a compact city easily navigable on foot, with recommendations for places to eat and strolls by the river and Caledonian Canal.

  2. Day 2overnight: Inverness

    Cruise on Haunting Loch Ness

    Short taxi ride to Loch Ness for a small-group cruise with audio guiding on the loch's history, taking in Castle Urquhart.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Royal Dornoch

    North-East to Royal Dornoch

    Train from Inverness on the Far North Line around the Cromarty and Dornoch Firths, alighting at Tain and transferred to Royal Dornoch.

  4. Day 4overnight: Royal Dornoch

    Make the Most of Dornoch

    Explore the community-run local history museum, browse local shops, or walk the town's beach.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Thurso

    Head North and Visit Wonderful Dunrobin Castle

    Transferred to Dunrobin Castle, a stately home overlooking the Dornoch Firth, then continue by train from Dunrobin's dedicated halt north to Thurso via some of the UK's remotest stations.

  6. Day 6overnight: Thurso

    At Leisure on the North Coast

    Option to tour the Wolfsburn Distillery, take a local bus to John O'Groats, walk the beach, or arrange a day trip to Orkney's Neolithic sites (advance booking required).

  7. Day 7overnight: Flow Country

    A Private Guided Tour of the North Coast & Flow Country

    A local guide leads a day out to Dunnet Head, the Duncansby Stacks and the Whaligoe Steps, before heading inland into the Flow Country to mainland Britain's remotest hotel.

  8. Day 8overnight: Flow Country

    At Leisure in the Flow Country

    Car-free leisure time - a walk into the surrounding countryside or relaxing in the hotel's lounge.

  9. Day 9rail

    Return by Rail to Inverness

    Driven to Kinbrace Station for the three hour train journey back to Inverness.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Small-group cruise on Loch Ness with audio guiding on the loch's history, taking in Castle Urquhart.
  • Day 3Train journey from Inverness on the Far North Line around the Cromarty and Dornoch Firths to Tain.
  • Day 5Train continues from Dunrobin Castle's dedicated halt north to Thurso via some of the UK's remotest stations.
  • Day 7Private guided tour to Dunnet Head, Duncansby Stacks, and Whaligoe Steps, then inland into the Flow Country.

Included

  • A full day's private guided tour/transfer from Thurso to the Flow Country
  • A cruise on Loch Ness (small group)
  • All train travel as detailed
  • Eight nights bed and breakfast, two people sharing a double/twin ensuite room, plus dinner on two nights

Not included

  • Taxis in Inverness
  • Entrance fee at Dunrobin Castle
  • Single traveller supplement (£1085)
  • Optional day trip to Orkney (requires advance planning and booking)

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. McKinlay Kidd includes all train travel on the Far North Line from Inverness to Tain, Dunrobin to Thurso, and Kinbrace back to Inverness, plus transfers by taxi or car between train stations and hotels.
Is this tour escorted or self-guided?
Mostly self-guided. You travel by train and explore towns at your own pace. A small-group Loch Ness cruise and a private guided day tour of the North Coast & Flow Country are included; the rest of the time is at leisure.
What hotels are included?
Eight nights bed and breakfast in four locations: two nights in Inverness, two in Royal Dornoch, two in Thurso, and two in the Flow Country (Kinbrace). Dinner is included on two nights.
When does this tour run?
The pack does not list specific departure dates. Pricing is listed for April & October (from £1,545) and May to September (from £1,675). Contact McKinlay Kidd directly to check availability.
What is not included?
Taxis in Inverness, Dunrobin Castle entrance fee, single traveller supplement, and optional day trip to Orkney are not included. Orkney visits require advance booking.
How much walking is involved?
Moderate daily activity: town exploration in Dornoch and Thurso, optional walks on beaches and distillery visits, and a guided day tour including walks to Dunnet Head and Duncansby Stacks. The Flow Country offers car-free leisure with countryside walking available.

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