You don’t have to be a Railfan/Trainspotter/Train Buff or even a Ferroequinologist (real word) to appreciate train travel. This is especially true in the Highlands where it can be a wonderful adventure. Even if this isn’t on your list of Things To Do, I recommend you give it careful consideration. From 4 The Links it is a gentle walk to Brora Station. The first train north leaves at about 09.20 but be sure to check the times as they do change. There are only four trains a day in each direction so it’s important to get it right. For the full experience of the Sutherland and Caithness landscape, travel all the way to Wick https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wick,_Caithness and spend some time there before heading back to Brora.

If you’ve got walking shoes, I have another suggestion. Pack a sandwich lunch and get the same train heading north. Kildonan is 10 miles on from Helmsdale which is the station after Brora. This is a request stop so you’ll have to tell the conductor it’s where you get off, and he or she will arrange for a special step-box because the train is a fair bit higher than the platform for some reason. Savour this moment because it is a rare privilege. There are 2,593 stations across the United Kingdom and Kildonan is the 10th quietest in the country. Last year just 148 passengers were recorded arriving and leaving from Kildonan.

Once the train moves on, stop and savour the moment. Listen to the birds, breath the air, take in the landscape which is stunning. Navigate the revolving gate which is designed to prevent the sheep falling onto the track and my suggestion is turn right, cross the stone bridge over the river Helmsdale and keep going. Just follow the road round. There is just the one so you can’t get lost. Nevertheless, where you are headed has no shops, no shelters just empty space and incredible views wherever you look. You’re likely to see more stag than people. There are other blog posts that talk about Glen Loth (for this is where you are headed) from which you can see the Helmsdale meandering, following the Strath Kildonan. Certainly, there are other ways to see this immaculate part of the world. But do yourself a favour and take the train just once.