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The Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh rail line, stopping
at Plockton, is famous the world over for its scenic beauty. We provide
a full and accurate timetable,
in both directions. |
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Scotrail
has an informative and descriptive page on the Kyle
Line, taking you through the scenery and the stations.
It's worth printing this and taking it with you if you intend to travel
on the line. |
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Also, take a look at The
Friends of the Kyle Line which were, in their own words:
“ . . . set up initially to save this historic railway from
closure and its primary objective is to protect and ensure a future
for Scotland's most scenic railway.” |
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Many of the stations
on the Kyle Line are unmanned — no staff, no telephone number.
Plockton is now one such station. (Other stops on the line are not
even a station, just a halt —
those marked with an X on the timetable.
Don't worry, there is a platform! If you want to get on at a halt,
put your hand out. The driver will be slowing down anyway.) To get
off at a halt, the conductor must know, in order to tell the driver.
Remind him when you pay or show your ticket. |
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That said, the Kyle Line has a sophisticated signalling
system. |
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Just get on the train and pay the ticket collector.
His/her computerised ticket machine will give you a ticket and can
also handle virtually all of the various ticketing schemes and discounts
that are available. Payment can be made by Switch or credit card. |
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Two web sites provide a full UK rail timetable,
and on-line booking:
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A full European rail timetable is available from
Euro
Railways. |
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The ScotRail sleeper
service is an often neglected alternative to air travel. Trains
leave London Euston in the evening for arrival in Edinburgh, Glasgow,
Inverness, Fort William or Aberdeen the next morning. There are buffet
facilities and your private sleeping cabin is remarkably equipped
and comfortable. |
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| Example: |
arr |
dep |
| London |
|
21:05 |
| Inverness |
08:30 |
08:53 |
| Plockton |
11:05 |
|
|
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Prices are comparable to the airlines, with a range
of discounts and offers. Inter-connecting cabins for families are
available. There is a car-hire discount arrangement. Full details
are at the ScotRail sleeper
pages. |
However, ticketing can be complicated, and details
are not complete at the above address. Better to speak to ScotRail
Telesales staff on:
+44 (0)8457 550 033
Remember to ask for the best price, including any rail cards which
you don't currently hold. It may work cheaper to purchase, just for
a one-off. Apex deals must be purchased seven days prior to departure;
the earlier you can book, the better the prices. |
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The standard price for Scottish and UK rail travel
can be high. If you are considering rail travel here, you can make
big savings by checking out the wide range of ticket offers available
before committing to the standard price. Try Scotrail
Ticket Offers for up-to-date information on day returns,
APEX, family passes and unlimited travel for a fixed price, with coach
and ferry travel included, and, of course, the rail cards mentioned
in the previous section. |
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More UK rail information is available from A2btravel. |
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