The Far North Line offers one of the most scenic rail journeys in Scotland, and it’s also a brilliant way to enjoy the Highlands without relying on a car. Running between Inverness and Wick/Thurso, the line connects communities, landscapes and experiences that are all accessible by train, on foot, or with local onward travel.
Whether you’re a local looking for a relaxed day out or a visitor keen to explore more sustainably, here are some inspiring car-free day trip ideas along the Far North Line.
Forsinard: Gateway to the Flow Country
Forsinard station sits at the heart of the Flow Country, a UNESCO World Heritage Site internationally recognised for its vast blanket bog peatlands, birdlife and role in carbon storage.
From the station, it’s a short walk to the RSPB Forsinard Flows reserve and visitor facilities, making this one of the most accessible ways to experience this globally important landscape without a car. Boardwalks and marked trails allow visitors to explore the peatlands responsibly while enjoying views across a unique and remote environment.
Perfect for: nature lovers, birdwatchers, photographers and quiet reflection.
Helmsdale: Coast, Heritage and Riverside Walks
Helmsdale is ideal for a varied day out combining history, coastline and gentle walking. From the station, it’s an easy walk into the village, where you’ll find cafés, shops and local heritage linked to the area’s fishing and crofting past.
The River Helmsdale offers pleasant riverside walks, while the nearby coast provides dramatic views and opportunities to spot wildlife. Everything is comfortably accessible on foot, making Helmsdale a great car-free destination.
Perfect for: relaxed exploring, heritage interest and coastal scenery.
Golspie: Beach Walks and Big Skies
Golspie station is just a short walk from the shoreline, offering easy access to long, open beaches with views across the Moray Firth. The village itself has cafés, shops and facilities close to the station, making it an excellent stop for a low-stress day trip.
For those who enjoy walking, there are a variety of routes along the coast and through nearby woodland, all reachable without the need for a car.
Perfect for: seaside walks, picnics and easy-going days out.
Brora: Coastal Paths and Village Charm
Brora combines a welcoming village atmosphere with striking coastal scenery. From the station, you can reach the beach in minutes, where wide sands and open skies make for a refreshing walk at any time of year.
The village has cafés and local shops close by, and the area is known for wildlife sightings along the coast. Brora is a great example of how the Far North Line connects visitors directly into the heart of communities.
Perfect for: coastal wildlife spotting and village wandering.
Wick and Thurso: Northern Towns by Rail
At the northern end of the line, Wick and Thurso both offer rewarding car-free day trips with plenty to see and do close to the stations.
Wick has a rich maritime history, riverside walks and easy access to coastal paths, while Thurso offers dramatic views across to Orkney, a compact town centre, and excellent coastal walking routes. Both towns have cafés, shops and local attractions within walking distance or accessible via local transport.
Perfect for: exploring northern Highland towns and coastal landscapes.
Travelling responsibly by rail
Choosing the train helps reduce traffic on rural roads, lowers carbon emissions and supports local communities along the route. The Far North Line makes it possible to enjoy some of Scotland’s most remarkable places in a slower, more sustainable way — arriving right in the heart of communities rather than on their outskirts.
Before travelling, it’s always worth checking train times, planning onward walking routes, and being prepared for changeable Highland weather.
Discover more by train
The Far North Line Community Rail Partnership works to promote sustainable, inclusive and community-focused travel along the route between Inverness and Wick/Thurso. By choosing car-free day trips, you’re helping support rural rail, local economies and the long-term protection of the landscapes that make the Highlands so special.