Photo: Chmee2, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia CommonsCoast-to-coast across the Highlands from Inverness to the Skye ferry port, ending on a shelf blasted along the shore of Loch Carron.
The Kyle line runs from Inverness around the Beauly Firth to Dingwall, then turns west through Strathpeffer country and Garve to climb alongside Loch Luichart and Loch a' Chuilinn to the watershed at Luib summit. It then drops through Glen Carron past Achnasheen to Strathcarron, where the sea loch opens out.
The final 20 miles from Strathcarron to Kyle are the highlight: the track was cut into the rock along the shore of Loch Carron past Attadale, Stromeferry, Duncraig and Plockton, with 29 rock cuttings and 31 bridges, and the line ends on a pier at Kyle of Lochalsh looking across to Skye and the Skye Bridge. Dingwall, Plockton and Kyle itself are worth a stop; Duncraig is a request halt serving little more than a castle.
Trains are Class 158 diesel units.
The Beauly Firth, Loch Garve and the long run beside Loch Carron to Skye are all on the right heading west.
Sides are given facing the direction of travel. Miles are approximate from the start of the journey.
Yes. Buses run from Kyle over the Skye Bridge to Kyleakin, Broadford and Portree, timed roughly to trains.
Several, including Duncraig and Duirinish. Tell the conductor where you want to alight and signal clearly to the driver when boarding.
There is no trolley on most trains, so buy food in Inverness or Dingwall.
Scenic lineOften voted the world's most scenic railway: Loch Lomond, Rannoch Moor, Ben Nevis and Glenfinnan Viaduct on one ordinary ScotRail ticket.
Scenic lineBritain's most northerly railway, wandering 168 miles from Inverness along firths and through the Flow Country to Thurso and Wick.
Scenic lineThe other arm of the West Highland Line, dividing at Crianlarich and running past Loch Awe and the Pass of Brander to the ferry port of Oban.