Scotrail on the Far North Line! A scenic journey!

A scenic ride on Britain's most northerly railway line!
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Have a question? Please comment and I will try to provide you with an answer.
Date of Travel: 13 July 2020
Class of Travel: Standard Class (2nd Class)
Rolling Stock: Class 158 Express Sprinter
Cost of Ticket: £21.21 ($27.02, €23.23; railcard discount included)*
Origin: Inverness, United Kingdom (Scotland)
Destination: Golspie, United Kingdom (Scotland)
*Currency conversions correct as of 25/09/2020

[@johnmorris8984]

Thanks for subtitles because I am deaf and that is important for information instead of voice over.

[@kevintoo8]

Dylan, I quite like the 'clickety clack' of the wheels going over the track joints, it takes me back to my younger days when there was no such thing as continuously welded rail 🤣

[@jtkm]

Even in America, jointed rail is quite a rarity. The only well known stretch of track that carries passenger trains in the US with jointed rail is the Amtrak Southwest Chief over the Raton Pass between Colorado and New Mexico. Other than that, its usually sidings and secondary trackage thats usually Class 1 or 2.

[@donnaphilbin6563]

The 🧥

[@donnaphilbin6563]

SO ✔

[@donnaphilbin6563]

The 🍼

[@donnaphilbin6563]

The 🍖

[@Hec7or100]

My great grandfather was a driver on this line, he drove a Drummond “Baby Ben”, it is quite uncanny listening to the sound of the train running over the same lines and seeing the same sights he saw as he drove many years ago. I used to love the sound of the Class26 back in the 70s, the Sulzer made a very distinctive noise. Thanks for another great vid Dylan.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Nice to hear you have a family connection to the line 😁

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

Great video Dylan. I love the far north line, especially in the middle of a harsh Scottish winter.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks! It's pretty spectacular when the snow falls.

[@lolroflpmsl]

Did the journey all the way to Thurso a few years back. It's an epic slog and a half, but very pretty!

[@paulahingley5397]

Hi Dylan - Great Video As Always. I Remember I travelled On The North Berwick To Edinburgh Branch Line Last Year On A Class 385 - The Excelleration Was Impeccable! So Was The Scenery But Shame The Weather Wasn't Up To It. I Remember Half Way Down The Line It Would Join Up With The East Coast Mainline Into Edinburgh And You'd Often Feel The Train Shake As A Class 91 Raced Past!! This Route Looks Great So I Guess I'll Probably Check It Out Some Time!

[@s125ish]

TheRenaissanceman65 probably a habit

[@s125ish]

Going Loco there is no pendolinos on east coast main line

[@s125ish]

@TheRenaissanceman65 that's s bit blunt. Do you know?

[@s125ish]

@TheRenaissanceman65 why are taking offence?

[@s125ish]

@TheRenaissanceman65 what question? No need to get angry

[@michaelformaini7053]

Ach, laddie! Thanks for refreshing my memory of the Far North Line travelled back in September 2018. Good to see you scored one of the refurbished Class 158s for this run. I thoroughly agree about the fabulous scenery. I didn't have video for my trip but managed to get quite a collection of still photos which I am still cataloguing. When I travelled, I took the early morning service as far as Dunrobin Castle, then later went to both Thurso and Wick and enjoyed fresh fish'n'chips before returning (via Thurso again) to Inverness. I had a day out of the box (fantastic late summer sunny day). Hope you are keeping safe and well. Cheers from Michael in locked down Melbourne.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Ah we sure know how to make Fish and Chips in this part of the world and Dunrobin Castle and the surrounding gardens are amazing. Stay safe!

[@kepc9083]

You’re right about the scenery. It’s lusciously green, inviting, serene. The train was very nice. I enjoyed the sound of clacking along the tracks. There’s something comforting about that regular percussion. Thanks for another lovely trip. 🚂

[@DylansTravelReports]

Glad you enjoyed it 😁

[@SteveMikre44]

Thanks Dylan for sharing another great episode...

[@ThePlayerToBeNamedLater]

As a lad I travelled from Thurso to Inverness to Glasgow to Greenock every summer to visit my gran. Very fond memories of catching the train at Thurso @ 6am and the sound and thunder of a Class 37 pulling us. Oh how I long to go back to those simpler times.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Oh if only it was still a 37 on this route!

[@porno6361]

@@DylansTravelReports or a 26/27

[@stevehallam0850]

For a good if long day out, get the early train from Inverness to Wick, bus to John o'groats for lunch, bus to Thurso, then train about 4pm back to Inverness! Done this a couple of times. Fantastic scenery.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Sounds like fun!

[@lorijohnston4311]

Scotland's scenery is just stunning. I've only been there once and I was under the weather so I hope to travel again, travel bans permitting and feeling well. I like the "clickety-clack" sound! Thanks for the video, Dylan. Stay safe and see you on Friday!

[@DylansTravelReports]

I'm sorry to hear your trip to Scotland was plagued by illness. Glad you enjoyed the video! See you Friday 😁

[@maimadha]

​@@DylansTravelReports as you mentioned Scotland can you do more trip reports in that country?

[@rvijayraghavan9645]

Wonderful Compilation. Really stunning Scottish Scenery. Thanks

[@louislegrand2865]

Thanks, Dylan! I love your video because I love the North. Not only are the landscapes beautiful, but I love the atmosphere of the train. And if the train makes noise, that's precisely what I love because it makes ... train! exactly ! You are lucky to live in Scotland. It is very beautiful. I prefer the landscapes of the North to those of the South. Cool. Good train!

[@DylansTravelReports]

Glad you enjoyed! Scotland sure is a beautiful place 😁

[@Peacemaker-96]

Scottish landscape seems beautiful! And green; I would love to visit 👍🏻

[@LuisRodriguez-xt9ly]

Oh ye it is

[@iankemp1131]

Brought back happy memories, I travelled on it in the days of Class 26s and 37s with six coaches. A shame you had to get off at Golspie and miss the coast to Helmsdale, the beauties of Strath Kildonan and the lonely loch-filled moorland beyond Forsinard. I would have also grabbed a shot of Carbisdale Castle and the Shin Falls from the left hand side. The scenery is not as spectacular as the West Highland and Kyle lines, but definitely has its own character, beauty and charm.

[@mikecaird5554]

You’re right about the scenery. But the only time I travelled on the line, from Wick to Golspie, Scotrail hadn’t bothered to clean the windows, so it was almost impossible to see out.

[@hjkroeze]

Great video again Dylan. It's about 50 years ago I was in Inverness and didn't see any places I can remember.

[@nursestew]

I enjoy seeing all the Firths. My favorite is Colin Firth.

[@DylansTravelReports]

😂🤪

[@socklesslad]

The Far North Line is my favourite route out of Inverness - I'll have to do it again when we're allowed to travel!

[@kimberlygila3604]

Beautiful train ride looking at scenic countryside, and listening to train sounds.

[@davecooper3238]

The good lady & I like this line. We have traveled it a number of times between Inverness & either Wick or Thurso. One one occasion we booked to travel south from Wick. The train did not arrive. Apparently something to do with an overheated axil box. Our alternative transport turned out to be a couple of not so new mini busses. Bit of a disappointment because we have driven/ridden the road on many occasions. We did have a bit of a treat. Just north of Helmsdale the exhaust snapped. The driver crawled underneath ripped the back third & chucked it in the luggage space. The rest of the run turned out to be a bit noisy but added to the adventure. Something to look out for. As the train heads north inland from Helmsdale the are five pedestrian suspension bridges crossing the river. See if you can spot them. ( Only four can be seen from the train. ) All five can be seen on the Bridgemeister website. Search Helmsdale to find them. PS it’s a pity you did not travel north from Golspie along what we feel is the really interesting bit.

[@ophelievictoriablaudez7599]

Scottish Highlands, certainly one of most beautiful places in the UK 🇬🇧

[@grangetowncardiff6935]

Yes, after Wales.

[@piotrk73]

Fantastic land scapes !! Thank You for sharing ! ;)

[@goodi2shooz]

A lovely trip, thank you!

[@DylansTravelReports]

Our pleasure 😁

[@steveschmitt2849]

Thanks Dylan, definitely a scenic trip for sure . Hope our situation changes soon so we can start traveling. Just retired and we are looking plan holidays. Thanks and stay safe.😷.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Hopefully better times are ahead!

[@kiwitrains]

I did the full journey Thurso and Wick about three years ago when in the UK absolutely fabulous, great Vid brought back good memories

[@linesided]

I always get a Playstation Tomb Raider vibe when you're walking!

[@chrisshields1775]

Great video. I have done the trip twice from Inverness to Kinbrace. That is a request stop and I only had to wait 20 mins before flagging down a southbound train. I had travelled up from Kings X on a senoir railcard 1st on the Highland Chieftan on a Tuesday and went back on the Chieftan on Thursday ( 07.55 ex Inverness) The cooked breakfast on the trains was great!). Did them as my last blasts on the old HST's. The scenery on the far north line is superb and the158's give a good views. Thanks for posting.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Oh the breakfasts on LNER trains is amazing and you just can't beat the old HSTs!

[@quarryfield]

What a wonderful train ride.... fantastic scenery and the good old clickety click from non welded rail joints. Really enjoyable videos fella and we never know where the next one will take us! Great stuff :-)

[@DylansTravelReports]

Glad you enjoyed 😁

[@jayadevdeva3998]

Beauty of the nature😍

[@raytheron]

I grew up travelling on steam-hauled trains in South Africa, and there's nothing quite as lovely as the clickety-clack of a train. I loved it and still do. How I miss those long train journeys back then!

[@neilmartin1531]

Got to be honest, I love the "clickety clack" sound too, and the little jolt as the wheels pass over the track joint. Another entertaining video, cheers mate.

[@aaronarshad3687]

I don't know about you but when hearing that lovey class 170 Sound at 1:00 you know you're going on a Train. The Engine just gives you that excitement of travelling.

[@FinnTheCanadian]

Awesome video Perfect watch at breakfast time

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks 😁

[@RGSRiogrande]

Did that trip in '92 as a young backpacker..seems not much has changed..neither jointed rails nor the trainset itself..it's a great scenic ride.

[@LuisRodriguez-xt9ly]

Loved every minute of it keep it up👍🏻

[@DylansTravelReports]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@sherlocksteve9109]

As I will tell you Dylan, the sound of the traditional tracks like in Scotland make it sound like a traditional train. I know the welded tracks is suppose to help make it one complete track and keep the train on track at times for safety reasons. I wish I had gone up to Scotland while I was in the UK in 1985. Never got a chance. As always, my friend, be safe.

[@CalderTrains]

You'll find a lot of jointed track in England, too. Such a lovely sound .

[@kevinh96]

Travelled for a number of years on these Class 158s pretty much every day as they were the mainstay of the Edinburgh to Glasgow service at one time.

[@johnjohn6486]

i have a sleep app with the sound of the click clack of the train wheels on the track.

[@CaptainMum]

I must say, that is the cleanest Scotrail train I've ever seen! They obviously wait until they get to Inverness before they clean them. Joking aside, great video with fantastic scenery!

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks!

[@exploreearth6275]

Very beautiful train video

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks!

[@stuartarnold64]

Last time I did that route was in about 1988, hauled by a 37 on Mk1s 👌🏼

[@DylansTravelReports]

Now that does sound fun! There's nothing better than a loco hauled train on jointed rail!

[@etc_be_b_10_venkat_reddy27]

one of the main reasons i come here is to watch the scenary, its quite relaxing.

[@archer7234]

Lovely vid I love sprinters so much

[@FPs_transport_vids]

Don't we all :)

[@archer7234]

Yup they are sooo good

[@DylansTravelReports]

Best DMUs imo!

[@maureendesquitado9894]

Hi Dylan I enjoyed the train ride!!!

[@DylansTravelReports]

Glad you enjoyed 😁

[@billyshearer1]

Use this line a lot. Service isn’t as reliable as it used to be, but I still love it.

[@JacobsTrainVideos]

Great video!! The 158s are better than the 170s for sure

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks! I agree.

[@moose_ringo9161]

Congrats on 50K subscribers, you so deserve it :) Keep up the amazing content!

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks 😁

[@joananderson3328]

I loved the video. Try making a video up to Fort William and Oben. You will love it there.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Glad you enjoyed! It's on the list 😁

[@andylats87]

Another great video 👍🏻

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks 😁

[@DanielsUKT]

great video it is very scenic railway this including the highlands main line west highlands main line east coast main line and a few more are among the most scenic in the country also the clickety clack is what all trains should sound like

[@davyfindlay2136]

Excellent video & very informative went too Wick/Thurso a few years ago magic & as the saying goes " let the train take the strain" so true just like the Kyle & Mallaig lines

[@uk1922]

Wonderful video again Dylan. It's a shame that KZbin is overloading the adds

[@kevintoo8]

Brian, if you download & install "uBlock Origin" then ads become invisible 😁

[@uk1922]

@@kevintoo8 Thanks for that Kevin, for some reason best known to themselves youtube seem to be putting a load of adds on I am more than happy to accept a few as I know it helps Dylan and other users but they are spoiling good vids

[@uk1922]

@@kevintoo8 It works thanks again Kevin

[@MissouriMatt54]

Thank you for the video.

[@johnp139]

How does CLOSING entrances AID with social distancing??? Wouldn’t that result in a higher concentration of people?

[@JacobsTrainVideos]

Lol that sounded like Matt Hancock 😆 🤣 😂

[@DJTrainBrain]

My guess was that the entry is a bit narrow and people going opposing directions cannot pass each other without maintaining enough distance. I do think it rather unlikely, though, since we're talking about the way to a shopping mall, apparently...

[@saintuk70]

That entry into Inverness is quite narrow and would not allow proper spacing - it's also quite close to platform barriers too, so don't allow for "traffic management". Have to admit, it's odd seeing Inverness so quiet - I've not been up since February due to the pandemic (would visit every 4 weeks normally)

[@DylansTravelReports]

A lot of people just pass through the station as opposed to catching a train so closing one of the entrances prevents through traffic.

[@onemat2000]

Loved it. The last segment felt I was really there looming out of the window at the beautiful scenery.

[@adventureswithphil2560]

Great video. Can't wait to take Scot Rail to and from Inverness next April.

[@albertweir5070]

wow exciting just like the old days short lengths of rail with the clickety clack thats a real train sound lovely sceenery cheers mate

[@DylansTravelReports]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@nickhingle5534]

It’s really cool @ how much cargo each car has, specially for things like a bike. I ride an adult 3 wheeler trike. 😃

[@andrewmarsden1970]

Nice part of the world. My partner's father is from Lossie so it reminds me of that.

[@johnstansfield5265]

Took my first journey along the Far North Line back in February. Travelled up to Inverness in 1st class on the Highland Chieftain and did the Far North Line the following day. Was meant to do the Kyle Line and Caledonian Sleeper in a club room after that, but Storm Ciara had other ideas and all trains were cancelled. I ended up having to take a Class 170 to Perth, then an Inter7City to Glasgow, stay overnight, then take a Class 385 to Edinburgh the following morning and a LNER IC225 back to KX. Not what I wanted, but at least I got home.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Oh yes I remember that caused major disruption. Sorry to hear that. The problem with these lines is, as scenic as they are, they don't fair too well in poor weather.

[@tom_MCFC21]

Great video as usual mate! Will you be going to Kyle of Lochalsh anytime soon ? That is another very scenic journey

[@DylansTravelReports]

Glad you enjoyed! I'm hoping to get out and film that one soon 😁

[@dansbusandtrainchannel7554]

I have taken a look around some of the Scottish Highland railway stations and they are quite nice. It looked like a great journey!

[@SierrasTravel]

I was really hoping to ride this last time we were in England but it just didn’t work out. Thanks for sharing the experience,

[@golledgestravels326]

Love this route. I did it in Feb 2020 from INV to Thurso. Cost of return £12.90 with Disabled Rail Card....bargain. Great scenery which makes the length of journey pass quickly. The on-board trolley service did more business that I see on the PMS to WAT route. Will definitely do it again.

[@duncansmith44]

Done that trip myself to Wick. Lost count of all the distilleries along that line.

[@DylansTravelReports]

The Whyte and Mackay, there's one at Tain, Balblair just to name a few. Would make a good rich man's pub crawl 😅

[@iandrew6347]

Woo great views . As always great video Sir Stay safe

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks, you too!

[@SimonLiddo]

Love you video guides Dylan 👏

[@DylansTravelReports]

Thanks

[@FannyLerouxTime]

I'd love to do that journey on a pacer

[@DylansTravelReports]

Would be fun the first time I guess.

[@s125ish]

I done this line to Thurso once, I did Glasgow to Thurso and back in a day . I need to get the wee bit wick though

[@johnnyboy3949]

1:20 need people to spread out so close 2 entrances and make everyone go through just one. That makes sense...

[@sweetdude1298]

The wifi speeds you recorded are genuinely the same that my parent's old Sky wifi used to put out

[@benjamintery7847]

You know a line is scenic when even regular travellers aren't bored of it ;)

[@Lakesider52]

Not sure how closing an entrance (Inverness stn.) aids social distancing. My local Tesco has closed the secondary entrance for the same (spurious, in my view) reason as it means everyone goes in and out the same entrance/exit!

[@stevenkranowski5141]

A couple of questions about the request stops: First, do you have to make the request before boarding? And second, how does one know which stops are by request only?

[@davidwil58]

It will say on the timetables that a station is a request stop or have (x) next to the station name on the displays. You stand on the platform and stick your arm out as the train approaches, just like you’d do to stop a bus. If you want to get off at a request stop you need to tell the conductor when you get on.

[@darylcheshire1618]

In Victoria, the request stops required you to show a flag or a kerosene lantern at night. Be stiff if you didn’t have any matches.

[@nitotheincognito]

If you pause at 1:16, look closer at the abellio sign. Above it on the right is the NS logo. That is kinda weird

[@scottishtransportvideos264]

Been waiting on this the class 158 is my favourite train

[@MekoUnknown]

Whyte and MacMay distillery... not a bad blend at all, and not nearly what I expected. I need to go to Scotland, but it would be bad for the liver.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Lol

[@Trainviking]

Actually i planned to go to Wick this summer... but yoh know corona. Love the scenery over here

[@DylansTravelReports]

Ah the covid is a pain for travel plans 😭. When you're able to do it, don't forget to check out the Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh Line as well 😁

[@JamesThompson-oz8kh]

The fare seems about right for that trip. I often travel on a route that is about 50 miles in each direction, a similar distance, and is about $22 return, a similar price. Given there is no service on board at any time ours might be over priced. Our countryside is pretty beautiful as well, once you get out of the big city. I do love a good train trip. Thanks for this one.

[@CanuckJim]

Nice day trip from Inverness if you're staying for a few days. Morning train up. See some sights (Google says Dunrobin Castle and grounds are quite well liked.) Have a late lunch, early supper somewhere and train back in the later afternoon. Perfect.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Yes and there's even a station at Dunrobin Castle which is open during the summer months.

[@youp9546]

I had to look up the definition of "firth". Getting educated!

[@harryelliott4310]

ScotRail Class 158

[@genesis070365]

Ahhh, a trip on one of Scotrail's ghost trains!! Only run for essential travel apparently? Makes you wonder just how much of a loss they are making?

[@scottyp2781]

Just a small detail but it is the Beauly Firth that is followed at the start of the journey, not the Moray Firth.

[@alanstewart8216]

The first 20 mins follows the Beauly Firth, not the Moray Firth. The Kessock Bridge being the divider.

[@DylansTravelReports]

Omg, I have lived in Inverness for over 10 years and am only just realising this 😅 Thanks 😁

[@tinkermccardle7393]

Railway engineering query! Why are rail joints in U K opposite whereas in US they are staggered (19.50’)??

[@DylansTravelReports]

I was wondering that when I was in the US 😅

[@Rick-ov5jm]

like the yellow toliet..Lol

[@ardianworld777]

What a breathtaking journey! Indeed the scenery is magnificent and I was lucky enough see it in person a few years back while driving through Scotland. It must be special in the winter! I am intrigued by the mentioning of the so called 'request stops': how does that work? Do you press a button in the train to let the driver know you want to get off? How does it work for travellers waiting on the station? Again thanks for uploading your trip report!

[@DylansTravelReports]

To get off, let the conductor know as soon as you board and they'll make sure the train stops at your desired destination. To flag a train down, simply stick your arm out and give it a thumbs up (a bit like hitch hiking.)

[@ardianworld777]

@@DylansTravelReports Thanks!

[@ronalddevine9587]

As we say here in the USA, All Aboard. Quintessential railroad sounds. One of the best yet. My dad was born in Motherwell, in 1912, and emigrated here around 1922. Poor dude never got back, depression, WW2, raising a family. He passed away in 1965. I've been to Britain twice, but never the Glasgow area. I'm 73 now, and who knows what's next. Any chance you might do a Motherwell to Glasgow or Edinburgh trip?

[@DylansTravelReports]

I may do at some point. I tend to end up skirting Motherwell often on the Edinburgh to Glasgow route.

[@telemachus53]

How does closing other entrances help with social distancing? I woud have thought the opposite.

[@Abnerbandanovotempoinscrito1mi]

Boa viagem Dylans lindo trein gostei show Boa tarde ai

[@enricocosta4441]

?

[@johnmehaffey9953]

Must say I prefer the clickety clack it always made me feel sleepy and thus a more pleasant journey

[@onkarshinde2041]

Considering that you should avoid touching surfaces, why not go with a mobile ticket or smartcard if you travel frequently?

[@DylansTravelReports]

Because mobile tickets are not offered on Scotrail services.

[@onkarshinde2041]

@@DylansTravelReports Silly me, they offer smartcard so I assumed they also do mobile tickets. I wish you could use any train company's smartcard with any other company's services.

[@djlewis5149]

Standard class replaced 3rd class. 2nd class had been abolished on British railways by about 1910

[@5mnz7fg]

Are British trains generally narrower than continental coaches? Btw., the scenery is really great, and I hope to visit Scotland someday... And hopefully, they then still have these unwelded tracks with its classical railway noise. ^_^

[@DylansTravelReports]

Yes as we have a much more restrictive loading gauge than in continental Europe.

[@johnjohn6486]

@@DylansTravelReports That's because britain invented the railways..

[@Spookieham]

Yes - narrower gauge thanks to countless thousands of bridges and tunnels built during the victorian era.

[@suneelgaur5246]

Nice scenic train journey..but not many mountains visible🤔

[@richardclarke376]

Slipknot got the idea for 'solway firth' from this video !

[@Rachelvehiclespotting]

Jee whiz Inverness has changed since I was last there

[@Kiecodafox]

dylan can you make a trip report for wizz air, low cost airline, amazing video as always

[@DylansTravelReports]

Maybe some day.