4 places to stay in the Scottish Highlands you can reach by train

1. Cairngorms Church Hill House, Kingussie

Dating back to the 1820s, this characterful house combines period architecture with all the comforts you want from a self-catering stay. There’s room for four, a garden with a little sitooterie for mingling outdoors, and a whisky room for evenings sat in deep armchairs, having deep chats beside the fire. It’s the sort of place where you’re actually happy to see a rainy afternoon because it makes everything feel all the cosier.

When you do fancy stretching your legs, you don’t need to go far. Kingussie has independent shops, cafes, a very good butcher and a French deli and cheese shop for stocking up on picnic supplies. Walk for 15 to 20 minutes from the house and you’ll find yourself in the Cairngorms National Park, where the track up Creag Bheag rewards you with lovely views. And if you’d like to make an evening feel special without venturing out, your host can arrange whisky or champagne tastings.

Getting there: Kingussie station is a seven-minute walk away, with direct train connections to London, Edinburgh and Glasgow, so there’ll be no watching the fuel gauge or negotiating who’s taking the next driving shift. Check current services and journey times before travelling.

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2. Strathspey Lodge, Duthil

If your ideal Highland holiday involves a houseful of people, muddy boots by the door and a kitchen that never quite stays empty, Strathspey Lodge is just the ticket. This generous, four-bedroom house sleeps eight, with space for children to run about, dogs to tag along and grown-ups to find a quiet corner when the noise levels become too chaotic.

There’s underfloor heating, a wood-burning stove, board games, books and plenty of room to spread out. Thoughtful extras, like hot chocolate and marshmallows, local beer and prosecco make you feel properly looked after on arrival.

For a car-free stay, the trick is to make the most of what’s accessible from the lodge, rather than trying to squeeze in attractions scattered across the national park. You can follow the Strathspey Way on foot, and the area also offers opportunities for cycling and exploring the landscape at your own pace. Back at the house, there’s a separate utility room for dealing with muddy paws, while the garden gives kids room to burn off some energy.

Getting there: Carrbridge station is around six-minutes away by taxi. Arrange your transfer ahead of time, particularly if you’re arriving with a group, luggage or a dog, and check which walks and local facilities are practical from the lodge itself.

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3. Avernish Lodge, near Kyle of Lochalsh

The journey west towards Kyle of Lochalsh is reason enough to take the train. By the time you arrive, you’re in a landscape of sea lochs with the Isle of Skye just across the water. A short taxi ride brings you to Avernish Lodge, a contemporary stone-built retreat surrounded by 12 acres of croft land, where three beautiful lochs meet.

The first thing you’ll notice is the view. Six large windows draw the water and surrounding hills into the sitting room, with a special viewing chair for taking it all in. Underfloor heating and a wood-burner make the stay just as appealing when skies turn dramatic, and your hosts leave fresh milk, coffee, chocolates and a bottle of wine, so there’s little to do on arrival beyond finding your favourite spot.

When you do head out, there’s kayaking, paddleboarding, wild swimming and walking to enjoy. You can have an adventure on the water, wander the surrounding landscape, then return to the warmth and watch the light change over the lochs.

Getting there: Kyle of Lochalsh station is around 16-minutes away by taxi. Pre-book your transfer and check local transport options before planning trips to Dornie, Plockton or Eilean Donan Castle.

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4. Cottage in Portmahomack, near Tain

For a change of scene, head east towards the coast, where the Highlands take on a different character. This one-bedroom coastal cottage is a peaceful spot for two, with beautiful interiors and a bedroom that opens towards the balcony, so you can wake to the sea and treat your eyes to shifting water first thing instead of doomscrolling.

There’s an electric Aga for cooking proper holiday meals, and outside, a garden with a vegetable patch to dip into. Listen out for the waves and, if you’re feeling brave, take a dip in the sea.

You can explore the surrounding coastal paths and spend time on Portmahomack’s sandy beach. The village itself has a well-stocked shop, a heritage museum and places to stop for something to eat, including The Oystercatcher. This is a stay for embracing a smaller radius rather than trying to see the whole Highlands in one go. Plan your local taxi journeys and let the weather dictate the day’s ambitions. Some days, a beach walk and a good lunch will be quite enough.

Getting there: Fearn station is around 15-minutes away by taxi. The cottage is in a secluded rural setting, so arrange your transfer in advance and check how you’ll reach the village and shops during your stay.

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