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Getting Here
The North Highlands are in the Extreme – at the North-most part of Britain. Thankfully modern transport links mean that getting here is easier than ever and many people break their journey to Orkney to enjoy a few days exploring the North Highlands.
Flying
Wick Airport is nestled on the outskirts of Wick, and offers visitors and business users a daily flight to Aberdeen and Edinburgh. Find out more on the HIAL web site.
You can fly into Inverness Airport from many cities across the UK from where you can hire a car or public transport to the North Highlands.
By Car
The North Highlands start only a few minutes North of Inverness. A journey to the most Northerly tip of the British mainland takes less than three hours up the A9. Inverness to Ullapool in the West takes around 90 minutes. Onward to Durness – about 90 minutes more. Of course, you will want to allow more time to soak in the scenery and visit the attractions along the way.
Ferries
Many people use the North Highlands as a base to explore further afield. Ferries operate regular scheduled services to the Outer Hebrides and to Orkney.
Rail
The Far North Line links many of the same places as the A9 road. The railway loops inland from Tain to Lairg. The route then returns to the coast at Golspie. Beyond Golspie, the railway continues along the coast as far as Helmsdale, then inland up the Strath of Kildonan and then across the Flow Country to Halkirk and back to the east coast at Wick. At Georgemas Junction near Halkirk, there is a branch to Thurso.
Rail is a wonderful way to see the North-Eastern coast line while taking the opportunity to relax before your adventure begins.
Buses
Buses operate from Inverness and throughout the North Highlands linking most major towns.
Planning Your Journey
You can plan a journey using public transport on the Traveline Scotland web site. You can also call them on 0871 200 22 33.
