Hidden deep within the vast peatlands of Caithness, Altnabreac Railway Station is one of the most remote stops on the entire Far North Line. Surrounded by open moorland, quiet lochs, and the colours of the Flow Country, it offers a sense of solitude rarely found in modern travel.
Whether you’re exploring the Highlands one request stop at a time, seeking peaceful walks, or simply intrigued by Scotland’s lonelier places, Altnabreac is a great destination to visit.
A Tiny Settlement With Deep Roots
Altnabreac is a small settlement in Caithness, within the Highland Council area. Its name comes from the Scottish Gaelic Allt nam Breac, meaning “the stream of the trout,” reflecting the natural landscape that shapes the area.
Set on Altnabreac Moss beside the Sleach Water and close to the internationally important Flow Country, the settlement lies 9 miles east of Forsinard and 23 miles west of Wick. Its isolation is part of its charm. Today, the buildings consist mainly of:
- The former Altnabreac School, closed in 1986 and now a private home
- The neighbouring station cottage
- The railway station itself, the focal point of the settlement
The station is managed by ScotRail, with all trains calling on request.
A Station With an Unexpected Story
Although Altnabreac is known for its quiet setting, the area has occasionally appeared in local and national news. In recent years, a private dispute involving the property beside the station resulted in short-term disruption and contributed to the temporary closure of the station between November 2023 and April 2025.
With normal services now fully restored, Altnabreac has returned to the calm and steady atmosphere it has always been known for, a peaceful place used by walkers, photographers, railway enthusiasts and visitors seeking the tranquillity of the Flow Country.
For those who enjoy visiting remote railway stations, before the closure, the annual footfall here was around 280 arrivals and departures, making this the Scottish station with the fifth-lowest footfall (lower than this are Invershin, Scotscalder and Kildonan – other stations on the Far North Line).
Gateway to the Flow Country
Altnabreac sits on the edge of the Flow Country, one of the world’s largest and most important blanket bog landscapes and is currently a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage status. This setting gives the station an atmosphere unlike anywhere else on the line: vast skies, shifting light, and quietness that feels almost otherworldly.
Popular walks include:
- Loch Dubh
A short wander from the station leads to this small, reflective loch, ideal for photography, birdwatching and quiet moments.
- Estate Tracks Across the Peatlands
Unmarked estate tracks radiate from the area, offering opportunities to spot red deer, hen harriers and the rare species that thrive in the peatland ecosystem.
- Altnabreac to Forsinard
A challenging but rewarding full-day walk across the Flow Country to Forsinard, perfect for experienced walkers looking for a truly remote adventure.
For cyclists
Good gravel paths provide a superb cycle route to Westerdal and then to Georgemas, an 18 mile ride
A Photographer’s Favourite
With uninterrupted horizons and ever-changing light, Altnabreac offers some of the most striking photographic opportunities on the Far North Line.
Sunrise and sunset transform the moorland into a patchwork of golds, blues and purples, while still lochs and wide skies create dramatic reflections. Railway photographers also appreciate the station’s uniqueness, which makes it one of the quietest request stops in the UK.
Planning Your Visit
Because Altnabreac is remote, a little planning goes a long way:
- Check train times carefully — it is a request stop
- Bring essentials — there are no facilities
- Wear waterproof, sturdy footwear — peatland paths can be soft underfoot
- Follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, particularly around fragile peat areas
The reward is a rare experience of the Highlands at their quietest.
A Unique Part of the Far North Line
Stations like Altnabreac remind travellers that railways can offer more than just transport; they can connect people to landscapes that are otherwise difficult to reach without a car.
As interest in sustainable travel grows, Altnabreac is becoming an increasingly intriguing destination for those wanting to explore Scotland slowly and respectfully.
With the station now fully open again, visitors can once more enjoy this remote, peaceful corner of Caithness, a place where the landscape sets the pace and the silence speaks for itself.