ScotRail 2H63 Train from Inverness to Wick

The Far North Line is the northernmost railway line in the United Kingdom from Inverness to Thurso and Wick. Continuing on my journey to the far north of Great Britain from the Caledonian Sleeper, I hopped on to ScotRail 2H63 after breakfast at Inverness.

Inverness Railway Station

Heading back into Inverness Railway Station.

The main concourse of Inverness Railway Station.

The departure information of my ScotRail 2H63 train on the information screens. While platform information was not provided yet, due to the wye layout of Inverness Railway Station, I knew that the ScotRail 2H63 train can only physically depart from Platforms 5 or 6 anyway.

I think ScotRail knew that passengers would know that the train can only depart from fixed platforms, so the gate line was barricaded with queue poles before departure.

My ticket for my ScotRail 2H63 train from Inverness to Wick. I know that Thurso would be a lot more convenient to find accommodation and to access John o’ Groats, but I wanted to ride the full route of the Far North Line.

The nearest train at Platform 5 was not in service.

My ScotRail 2H63 train would be the front train.

My ScotRail 2H63 train was operated by Class 158 Express Sprinter 158 719.

Boarding my ScotRail 2H63 train.

The interior of the ScotRail Class 158 Express Sprinter.

USB and 3-pin power sockets are available on board the Class 158 Express Sprinter.

Looking back at my Caledonian Sleeper train which brought me to Inverness from London Euston.

Seat reservations are indicated by tickets placed inside the top of seats.

The legroom available on board the Class 158 Express Sprinter.

A fold-down table is provided for airline seats.

Toilets are available on board.

A space for wheelchairs or bicycles is also available near the train door.

My ScotRail 2H63 train departed from Inverness on time at 10.41am.

Crossing the mouth of the River Ness, or Inverness in Gaelic.

Crossing the Clachnaharry Railway Swing Bridge over the Caledonian Canal.

Muir of Ord Railway Station

Making a brief stop at Muir of Ord Railway Station.

Dingwall Railway Station

Making a brief stop at Dingwall Railway Station.

There is a community pub, The Mallard, located on the platform at Dingwall Railway Station.

Passing through Dingwall Junction where the Kyle of Lochalsh Line splits from the Far North Line.

The seaside scenery is located on the right of the train when heading north.

On the left side, I got mainly countryside scenery.

Surprisingly, there was a refreshment trolley service on the ScotRail 2H63 train. I thought there would be no services since this is a rural train service.

The menu of the refreshment trolley on the ScotRail 2H63 train. Light snacks and drinks are available.

Alness Railway Station

Making a brief stop at Alness Railway Station.

Heading alongside the Cromarty Firth.

Invergordon Railway Station

Making a longer stop at Invergordon Railway Station for crossing with a delayed opposing train.

Peeking out the platform while waiting for the opposing train.

Invergordon is also home to Invergordon Cruise Port, and cruise ships can be spotted nearby.

Passing by Invergordon Distillery.

Fearn Railway Station

Making a brief stop at Fearn Railway Station.

Tain Railway Station

Making a brief stop at Tain Railway Station.

A plaque describes a short history of Tain Railway Station, along with a commemorative plaque marking a stop of the defunct Jellicoe Express, the direct train from London Euston to Thurso.

Heading along the Dornoch Firth.

Ardgay Railway Station

Making a brief stop at Ardgay Railway Station.

Culrain Railway Station

Making a brief stop at Culrain Railway Station.

Passing over the Kyle of Sutherland.

Invershin Railway Station

Making a brief stop at Invershin Railway Station.

Lairg Railway Station

Making a brief stop at Lairg Railway Station.

Passing by the token signal at Lairg for the Radio Electronic Token Block (RETB) Signalling system.

More highlands scenery along the way.

Rogart Railway Station

Making a brief stop at Rogart Railway Station.

Peeking out to the platform at Rogart Railway Station.

Golspie Railway Station

Making a brief stop at Golspie Railway Station.

Dunrobin Castle Railway Station

Making a brief stop at Dunrobin Castle Railway Station.

Steps are provided at Dunrobin Castle Railway Station with its low platform.

It started to rain heavily with wind and mist as the train headed further north.

Brora Railway Station

Making a brief stop at Brora Railway Station.

Helmsdale Railway Station

Making a brief stop at Helmsdale Railway Station.

Kinbrace Railway Station

Making a brief stop at Kinbrace Railway Station.

Passing by Loch an Ruathair.

Forsinard Railway Station

Making a brief stop at Forsinard Railway Station.

Scotscalder Railway Station

Making a brief stop at Scotscalder Railway Station.

Passing by Georgemas Junction for the branch line to Thurso.

Georgemas Junction Railway Station

Making a brief stop at Georgemas Junction Railway Station. The train changes direction here to serve Thurso first, before returning back to Georgemas Junction Railway Station for a second stop, and thereafter Wick, the final destination.

Heading in reverse to Thurso.

Heading along the River Thurso.

Approaching Thurso Railway Station.

Thurso Railway Station

Making a brief stop at Thurso Railway Station where the train changes direction again to head back to Georgemas Junction. Thurso Railway Station is the northernmost railway station on the National Rail network in Great Britain.

Most passengers alighted at Thurso, and the train almost emptied out for the final leg to Wick.

Departing from Thurso.

Heading along the River Thurso again.

Approaching Georgemas Junction.

Georgemas Junction Railway Station

Making a brief stop at Georgemas Junction Railway Station again.

Heading along the final stretch of the Far North Line.

Entering Wick Railway Station.

Wick Railway Station

My ScotRail 2H63 train arrived at Wick Railway Station at 3.10pm – 14 minutes delayed. The delay was caused by the earlier crossing at Invergordon and further stops at many request stops along the way.

The true end of the Far North Line at Wick without any reversing.

Wick Railway Station has a shed covering part of the platform with space for about 1 and a half train cars.

Heading into Wick Railway Station.

The station concourse of Wick Railway Station.

The ticket office is located in the side room.

The door to the platform.

The façade of Wick Railway Station.

Wick Railway Station is about 150 meters from the main roundabout in Wick town.

Crossing the Wick Bridge over to Wick Town Hall.

Wick Town Hall is the main bus stop for bus services around Wick.

Conclusion

The trip on the Far North Line is scenic with the ScotRail 2H63 train running fully on a single track heading almost to the northeastern tip of Great Britain. It’s also an achievement for railway fans to be on the Far North Line to ride on the the northernmost railway line in the United Kingdom and to visit the northernmost railway station, Thurso, in the United Kingdom too.