Kyle of Lochalsh Line Request Stops

The Kyle of Lochalsh line is in Scotland, which has trains heading up from Inverness, branching off at Dingwall and heading towards Kyle, with six request stops along the line ... how many can I can tick off in one day?
Mark also gave me some great further information about the station names!
Diùranais /Duirinish is orginally a Norse name that means 'Dear Headland'.
Attadale (Gaelic:Atadal) is originally Norse too, that might mean "Fight Valley".
Duncraig is a very straightforward Gaelic name, Dùn Creige - "Rock Fort" - a dùn is a fort, or sometimes a hill which looks like it could have been a fort. Either way it's my new favourite request stop!
You can download my request stop map here: geofftech.co.uk/downloads.html

[@gregf9160]

That Octagonal waiting room is actually a battle Tardis in disguise 🤗 Honest, Geoff, this was brilliant 👍

[@TimRrstrm]

Geoff, you know you'll have just started all sorts of pebble mayhem at Duncraig Station.

[@lordpitnolen2196]

Barney Rubble with Pebbles?

[@FSantoro91]

All The Pebbles

[@greymouser8659]

Boulder dash

[@androo4519]

You should have spelled: Danger - Slip Hazard

[@MichaelBrodie68]

I'm from Australia. I caught the train from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh, inspired by Michael Palin's Great Train Journeys in the 1970's. Thanks Geoff.

[@getyourwillhere]

That was the one Palin did so he could go collect the station sign?

[@MichaelBrodie68]

@@getyourwillhere I think you're right. Also, I think the episode was called "End of the Line"

[@darylcheshire1618]

I wondered why Mike Palin collected the station sign? Was it replaced by a newer sign?

[@Elitist20]

Same!

[@hoofie2002]

@@darylcheshire1618 yes so he grabbed the old one.

[@simonleewx]

I was on this line last weekend, and when I heard it had request stops I wondered if Geoff would do it - and here we are! 😀

[@DLWELD]

In April 2018, wife and I (Canadians) rode from Kyle of Lochalsh with return tickets to Plockton, planning to return on the next down train. We found a path to the Northeast of Plockton and soon realized - that maybe, just maybe, we could follow this faintish path through the woods to Duncraig and get the next train back down to Kyle.. We started out with a tight time limit, a sketchy path through the woods along the shore, and no allowance for getting lost. Intense. Quite a bit later, a tad disheveled and sweaty, we staggered out of the forest undergrowth to that little station and then, alone on the platform, flagged down the train - for the first time ever - Tears me up even now. The ticketting situation was too complicated to bother with according to the conductor.

[@dallasguy3306]

The scenery in Scotland is absolutely stunning. Lowers the blood pressure just watching the video.

[@MrCobo04]

lowers it even more being there

[@Elitist20]

13:27 - Drone shot - person with dog at bottom.

[@bobblue_west]

@@Elitist20 Oh yes. Long walk to Tesco.

[@Elitist20]

@@bobblue_west But the nicest place in the world to walk your dog!

[@RUOKH]

You can rent the Duirinish Station House for 1-week stays - done it often; then take the train into Kyle for your shopping provisions. It's like having a private station attached to your holiday home - wonderful, and highly recommended.

[@aldenhunt]

Definitely deserving of the ATS theme - lovely stations!

[@MikeWillSee]

Fun fact: The island at Duncraig was actually the inspiration for Peter Pan - the original writer was inspired when they saw it out the window of a passing train!

[@375-Productions]

The all the stations music gave me goosebumps, absolutely brilliant!

[@melodeonman]

This. The drop to the music + beautiful drone footage = chills.

[@martinrogers4301]

I love that the octagonal waiting room has an octagonal door-handle. So cute. Thank you Geoff

[@ianbarnard7682]

One of your best ever. The ATS music so fitting. Quite emotional actually

[@chriskrebill1842]

So gorgeous! Makes me want to break out the VHS Of Railway Adventures across Europe to watch again. Very neat! Surprised this line doesn't have a lot of steam train trips.

[@LisaMarli]

I loved hearing the All the Stations music, it was pretty and so was the scenery.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I did a similar video a few months back, but spent some time walking around from these request stops. There’s a lovely walk from Duncraig into Plockton that goes over and under the line for a mile or so then alongside the water - all signposted from the station. At Duirinish, I walked over the crossing then north, anti-clockwise following a path that takes you round the coast over to Drumbuie then a path back to the station. It’s a lovely part of the world and I had great fun making that content. 👍

[@SamSitar]

ouch. that must be a long walk.

[@stevehallam0850]

@@SamSitar not too bad, an hour or so as I remember. Beautiful walk!

[@TheInselaffen]

Mark's reveal was stunning, his lippy and blusher are on point.

[@martinjh999]

If I had the money I'd be up and down this line too - Scotland looks lovely here!

[@jonsmith8582]

That is what you call scenery , just fantastic !

[@lesleyvids2610]

Thank you for videos like this, they make me want to go on journeys again and they give me inspiration on where to go. I can't wait visiting the scottish highlands after seeing all your beautiful content from there!

[@warrencrosby2620]

I look forward to these videos during the week, Thank you Geoff! Great work as always.

[@hassanalihusseini1717]

Beautiful landscape around. Thank you so much for this video!

[@acfbrown1]

I've been to Achnashellach as that was the end point of my DofE hike in 2013 but I've only taken the train one stop to Achnasheen and travelled back.

[@anniesoernym]

Goodness what a beautiful thing - the line, Duncraig station, and your video! Thanks for bringing a small tear of joy to my eyes after a rather exhausting day, Geoff 😊

[@mrvaibhavvsr]

This station is so beautiful

[@DJCox95]

The Kyle of Lochalsh line looks absolutely stunning, one to visit in the future for sure! Thank you for highlighting these relatively hidden gems! 💎

[@scarlettmissredblack1381]

Beautiful scenery! The wooden waiting room was awesome! Thank you, Geoff.

[@kippen64]

The octagonal waiting room is lovely. Also, really impressed by the lack of damage.

[@richardjohnson8731]

Grinned through this entire video. Wonderful stuff. Thank you, Geoff.

[@Byftpup]

My favourite video of yours yet. So picturesque.. That vista from the stations is amazing and your drone shots were great.

[@kazzam8514]

Absolutely brilliant. What stunning views . Great to see Mark again too 😍

[@Hammondfreak]

Loved this video Geoff, so well presented and interesting, beautiful scenery and quaint stations not to mention the octagonal shelter at Duncraig. Hope to see you do all 6 one day- just a nice day out!

[@UnmayoGaming]

I always love your videos and your style. I've never been to Scotland on a train thank you for showing us what's there. RIP Tripod.

[@hoofie2002]

I live in a suburb in Perth in Western Australia called 'Duncraig' and despite being Scottish myself didn't realise it was named after a real place. We have a Train Station as well but it's unfortunately called 'Greenwood'😟 There is also another suburb called 'Attadale' as well.

[@takeeverythingin]

so good. so love the scottish trips and the beauty and peace of it all.. i think we all smiled (and wished for another such trip) when 'all the stations' tune came on..

[@NaomiClareNL]

Back in a late and warm may 2005 me and a couple of friends did a whirlwind tour of Scotland and stayed in a B&B in one of the cottages next to the railway station in Duirinish. The old lady had not opened yet but a friend of hers with a B&B in Plockton had called if she would open for us because everything in Plockton was full already. Was a lovely trip and a lovely stay in the Kyle of Lochalsh area.

[@gregmichael8473]

Geoff, thanks for the video. Brought back memories of my three trips on the line over the years on my visits from Down Under. Unfortunately didn't have the time to do any of the intermediate stops, so this was the next best thing.

[@peterfinucane8122]

Stunning area. Did both Mallaig line and Kyle to Inverness in 2007. Love your guys Rail and Explore videos. Wish we had passenger rail like this in New Zealand.

[@CharlieCooper3101]

Great video Geoff, I love the hexagon waiting room that's so cool. Some lovely views of Scotland. What a journey.

[@scottmdavis8483]

The photography was simply gorgeous. Very clean, and you very flattered the landscape

[@christophersanton]

Was there a week after you. I would have recommended The Croft Cafe in Duirinish, a 9 minute walk from the station so very gald you made it. Absolutely fabulous.

[@cockneyse]

Why would they lock it? To keep animals out Stop children running in and falling on the line To stop the gate banging in the wind

[@RustyPetterson]

Also... the reason the latch was across was because that's how the *last* person found it!

[@arthurgordon6072]

@@RustyPetterson Exactly.

[@roundandroundmyworld]

This is the Scottish Highlands so wandering sheep in the vicinity are not entirely unlikely.

[@peeky44]

To give Geoff his credit he did leave it as found, as per the Countryside Code!

[@petersandell6160]

Yeah kiddies on the track would be a worry 😬

[@MrHovis44]

Simply stunning scenery Geoff.

[@bumerangsydney]

One of the best pieces you have done Geoff!!

[@saintuk70]

Duncraig Castle used to be a "college" many years ago, my mother and aunt attended back in the '60's. Should we award Brownie points for not once mentioning the view across to Plockton? Inverness to Kyle is such a journey - my family still live not far from Plockton at Inverinate :)

[@ianhudson2193]

Excellent pubs in Plockton....👍

[@mmcbey1401]

A few years ago the castle was bought by a large English family. A documentary was made of the many trials and tribulations they had refurbishing it. I think they eventually gave up and returned South. It got a new owner in 2009 and it is now a Bed and Breakfast place.

[@angusmcneillpeel2212]

Glorious - absolutely beautiful video

[@pauljones401]

You do beautiful films that just take you away for however long they are!!! Thank you very much for all you put up. It’s fantastic!! All the best Paul

[@meltrain]

I love almost all your videos, but this is one of the best.

[@crouchinghamster6407]

Jeeezzz! A _beautiful_ episode! It right away jumped to the top of my all-time favorites. Thanks, Geoff, for making these incredible videos!!!

[@RobertSmith-zv1xo]

Amazing scenery and can see why you wouldn't be able or rather want to do all 6 in 1 day. Loved that octagonal waitingroom.

[@christophernoble6810]

Beautiful video Geoff. Same 4 trains per day as back in the 1980s only then they were loco hauled by Class 26. Stations are impressively well kept.

[@LynneFarr]

Fabulous trip!

[@nathanisip]

Gosh I’ve missed that theme tune! What a scenic route and very lovely stations!

[@christinaburton9297]

My goodness, what a beautiful station.

[@claireloub]

I was at Forsinard last week on the verrrrrrrry slow line between Inverness and Thurso and they've made good use of the deserted station house by making it into the visitor centre for the RSPB reserve just up the road, complete with a tiny diy museum and honesty box bird badges

[@alextr3a640]

Wow Geioff, great video and very beautiful landscapes! Nice tiny stations, I really like to visit that area one day 😀

[@peterreynolds6235]

For the past 20 years or so I have had a painting of the hamlet of Duirinish by the late Mrs Mollie Harbord (painted on hardboard!). I think perhaps she was a former resident of Duirinish, though I don't think she lived in that part of the Highlands when she painted it. I bought it in some kind of sale of second-hand goods in the village hall in Lochcarron; by that time she had passed away.

[@richardwestwell4902]

Lovely area to travel so thanks Geoff for showing us these lovely little stations. One of the station names is mentioned in the 1939 version of "The 39 Steps" Which one, Achnashellach .

[@rhbvkleef]

We sailed through Lochalsh last summer, and I can say with confidence that sailing through it is even prettier than taking the train along it. Especially the sail through Kyle Rhea is incredibly fun, when well-planned.

[@yarraman8595]

Hi from New Zealand, its been 40 years since I travelled on that fantastic Highland line. Thanks for that.

[@DWtrainsNZ]

Thanks for filming that Geoff. I loved that one. Before I moved to New Zealand when I was 3 & a half I use to live in Kyle of Lochalsh. My mum used to leave me in my pram on the platform while she worked in the cafe that used to be in the station. Apparently I used to cry when it was time to go home haha. She took me on several trips on that line. Unfortunately I can hardly remember anything from our time there. One day I'm going to return there. I can't wait. Even more so now thanks to your video.

[@andyb2706]

About 5 years ago I walked the West Highland Way and ended up having a break at Bridge of Orchy railway station due to it raining (the only morning it did rain in the entire week) and within the station building we found a honesty box cafe serving everything from cereal to cake and everything in between. It was run by a guy from London who also ran the hostel in the remainder of the station buildings.

[@andizzle195]

Great video as always! Such a beautiful line!

[@sakurapablo671]

I’m happy to see all different stations. Since it helps to understand where most of them are at. Hope to see other parts for a visit or haven’t gone too, or even better, bit of history talk.

[@BritishTrainsRBX]

Another great request stop video Geoff ❤

[@craigharbauer389]

thanks so much for sharing this trip

[@tenterdentown2452]

I went from Inverness to the Kyle in 1975. It was loco-hauled BR Mark 1 stock, but it had a buffet car, something you didn't have on this trip. I went 'over the sea to Skye' because, at that time, the road bridge hadn't been built! At that time, it was all British Rail and the stations have all now been done up in Scotrail colours. You can't fault the scenery on that line. One of the best scenic lines in the country. Thanks for uploading.

[@neilbain8736]

It's nice watching you get all excited about the scenery! Another planet, squire, and in June it doesn't exactly get dark up there. One June I was on holiday in Strathpeffer ( it was on a branch line about 4 miles from Dingwall ) and there was a power cut at 2 a.m. I went out on the bike. I could see quite easily. It wasn't dark at all, barely dusk in fact. Lights were just a legal formality. There was also a new footbridge beside the rail bridge over a river almost in sight of Carbisdale Castle. The gap between them was only about a foot with a 30 foot drop to the water below. You could step over from the footbridge into the girders of the rail bridge and clamber about below the track holding on to the struts for dear life. It'll be fenced off now, I expect, but things were more lax then I guess.

[@EElgar1857]

You had MUCH better weather than I did, when I went Kyle and Mallaig and Skye! Great video, Geoff.

[@JBFlytography]

Used to work in Kyleakin just over the bridge on Skye. The commute was pretty amazing!

[@stonemasonlew9349]

By god, Scotland is just gorgeous.

[@jamessmith6402]

Fabulous video the scenery was fabulous 👍 thanks Geoff

[@collectivelyimprovingtrans2460]

Among the First! I came as soon as I could! Congrats on doing your best Geoff.

[@wombat1238marsupial]

A very beautiful part of the country. Great video

[@arthwys]

What a fantastic series of stops! Agreed, good to hear ATS theme again, very appropriate usage of.

[@Drdee1]

I got to and from Skye using this line (flew to Inverness with FlyBe when they were still in business). Beautiful scenery

[@TicTacToe3511]

Good to see you again thanks for your magnificent videos …Peter W Australia

[@rayob9131]

Had an interesting experience at Achanalt in 1979. Was waiting for the last evening train from the Kyle to Inverness as the sun set. The station was pretty dark by then and the driver of the Class 26 (plus 4 Mk1 coaches) saw me at the last minute. The train came to a stand beyond the platform so just walked down the ballast a few yards, opened the door of the rear carriage, climbed up and gave the guard a wave. Off we went! When life was simpler.......

[@Sim0nTrains]

Duncraig was impressive! has to be the prettiest quaint waiting room I've ever seen on a request stop. Which Duncraig does deserve a moment of the ATS Theme! Also like that one of the tea rooms have a honestly box! Sounds like my version of a 'swear jar' when I say 'To be Honest' each and every time in a video and have to put money into the box lol, Great Video and looking forward to you coming back to finish the request stops on that line off.

[@michaelmiller641]

Fascinating!

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Greetings to you too, Geoff. I love all your videos!

[@rayvenvulpes1924]

The waiting room at Dùn Creige is the cutest thing i've ever seen in one of your videos and it's even better next to the Loch. I hope it can remain for years to come

[@LKBRICKS1993]

Exelent video Geoff Love the request stop what a butifull view.

[@SimonRML2456]

Have to agree with the comments about the music, it needed doing, just perfect 😊 great episode.

[@torchris1]

Fantastic train ride! I did it in 1985 when they were still using some ancient 1940s-style rolling stock. You could basically stick your head out the window and touch the heather!

[@andylaws4247]

Just loving the All the Stations Music and the scenery at Duncraig.

[@iainstanley4574]

Wow, Duncraig is stunning!!

[@ellipseelectronique1651]

Hi Geoff, yersteday was the first day of my new job in the SNCF and I want to thank you so much because it's your videos that made me love trains and that made me want to work in the SNCF

[@barvdw]

Welcome to the railway family! What is it you do? Driver, guard, technician...?

[@ellipseelectronique1651]

@@barvdw Agent de circulation. I don't know the english equivalent. Maybe it's guard but I'm not sure.

[@barvdw]

@@ellipseelectronique1651 i assume that's the same as me, you control the traffic from a signal box? In Belgium, that's a contrôleur de circulation, I'm responsible for limiting delays, direct track changes, take precautions during incidents and engineering... I'm Flemish, but have to speak both Dutch and Flemish, and speak with both Dutch and French colleagues. Even when speaking the same language, it's not quite the same ;)

[@ellipseelectronique1651]

@@barvdw Okay so we have the same job but I'm still learning for now

[@barvdw]

@@ellipseelectronique1651 which general area are you stationed at, if you don't mind me asking? Still relay technology (relais...), or more computer based? Here, it's virtually all by computer, nowadays. Probably wouldn't know how to operate on a relay board...

[@Inkubaszi]

The views are breath taking !

[@unafinlayson5244]

Thank you for sharing this. Once Covid is passed, I am HOPING to be on that train to Kyle. Awesome scenery - Kiwi gal :-)

[@uzmaullah1432]

Loving it Geoff!

[@victorialine0948]

Great request stop video Geoff!

[@jacksugg2926]

That all the stations music and beautiful view nearly made me cry with nostalgia! 😫🤣

[@Lxmix336]

Nostalgic 'All the Stations' music.... :D

[@arwelp]

Beautiful scenery. I’ve not been on that line since 1983, but maybe next year (or the year after, when I hope to have retired!).

[@christopherbrown3695]

Stupendous Mr Marshall.

[@rob-c.]

Emergency tripod tip is folded clothing - of course still on top of a wall or bin etc. You can pretty much level any shot.

[@davidangel-blair9358]

Ok. So now I need to visit Scotland! Great video Geoff. Thank you

[@JESS1CA1996]

Mark seems lovely, like a great person to sit and have tea and chat

[@RichardWells1]

Stunning scenery enhanced by the All the Stations music!

[@gkeaoyrge]

I think I’m right in saying that my local station Wigan North Western has an octagonal waiting room, albeit nowhere near as cosy as this one. Great video Geoff!