Forsinard Station serves as a gateway to the Flow Country – a vast, impressive and globally important expanse of blanket bog that stretches across Caithness and Sutherland. The RSPB looks after Forsinard Flows nature reserve; the visitor centre is located conveniently in the train station, welcoming you to the incredible Flows landscape.  

Initially, this station was one of several built for the convenience of guests travelling to nearby shooting lodges, but although only a small hamlet, both accommodation and food can be found in Forsinard.   

Passenger Information 

Northbound weekday trains: 07:00, 10:41, 14:00, 18:31, 21:42 
Southbound weekday trains: 07:27, 09:13, 13:47, 17:11 

Forsinard is a Category B station, which means it has rough ground and low platforms; there is a toilet available in the RSPB Forsinard Flows visitor centre at the train station.  

Details can be found on Scotrail’s website.

Transport and walking routes in the local area 

There is little in the way of public transport in Forsinard with only the train line providing regular public transport to this small hamlet.

The A897, a single-track road which winds through the Flow Country from Melvich on the North Coast south to Helmsdale on the East Coast, is a popular cycle route with little traffic and plentiful views.  

There are plentiful walking routes in the area, including the Northern Pilgrims’ Way (Braid One), the Ben Griam Hills, and trails in the RSPB Forsinard Flows nature reserve. 

Forsinard Station provides an ideal stopping point for those exploring the region to break their journey, either for travelling to a larger town for overnight accommodation or to provide the opportunity for shorter routes. 

• Hiking routes, from shorter trails on the Forsinard Flows reserve, such as the Dubh Lochan trail, which takes you along a boardwalk to the Flows Lookout Tower (pictured below) and the Forsinain Trail, to longer hikes up nearby hills, such as Ben Griam Mor and Ben Griam Beg which give panoramic views of the Flow Country. Braid One of the Northern Pilgrims Way also passed through Forsinard.   
• Cycle along the A897, following the river as it weaves down Strath Halladale. The winding, single-track road offers views of the intricate pool systems and blanket bog that makes the Flow Country so special.  

What to see and do 

• Bird watching at RSPB Forsinard Flows, a nature reserve in the heart of the Flow Country. With over 20,000 hectares of rugged peatlands and mountain scenery, the reserve is home to a range of wildlife. Golden plovers, greenshank and dunlin are important breeding bird species here, but you’ll also find hen harriers and golden eagles along the strath, ducks and divers in the many lochs and skylarks singing above you. The visitor centre is well placed within the old station building with interactive exhibits. Take a look at the RSPB website for volunteering opportunities and event schedules. 
• Eat and drink at Forsinard Lodge; the tearoom serves hot and cold drinks and homemade pasties, paninis, soup, cakes and scones.