How the line operates

The Far North Line runs for 161 miles from Inverness to Wick, with a sevenmile spur at the north end from Georgemas Junction to Thurso. Built in stages from 1862, it finally opened all the way from Inverness to Wick in 1874.

Of the 26 stations (once there were 45), eight are request stops: Culrain, Invershin, Rogart, Dunrobin Castle, Kildonan, Kinbrace, Altnabreac and Scotscalder. Many were axed during the 1960s but several have since reopened, including Beauly, Conon Bridge, Muir of Ord and Alness. There’s a campaign in Evanton (between Dingwall and Invergordon) to reopen the halt there.

The line is single-track with passing loops at nine intermediate stations. These are unequally spaced, generally five to 13 miles apart, although sections between loops at Helmsdale and Forsinard and between Forsinard and Georgemas are 24 miles and 22 miles apart respectively.

All the trains are two-car Class 158 diesel multiple units. Those used on the Far North Line are powered by two 350hp engines which are widely criticised for being underpowered.

On weekdays there are four full-route Far North Line train services each way. In addition, five southbound services run to Inverness from Invergordon, four from Tain, three from Ardgay, and one from Lairg. Northbound there are four trains from Inverness to Invergordon, three to Tain, and one to Ardgay.

Sundays have one full-route service each way, plus four each way between Invergordon and Inverness and three between Inverness and Tain.

The only staffed stations are Wick, Thurso and Dingwall. According to Friends of the Far North Line, staff reductions have been “the most influential factor in the line’s continued existence”.