Flow Country Becomes a New Travel Destination in Scotland

Tucked away near Forsinard, Scotland's Flow Country stepped onto the world stage in 2024, becoming the first peatland ever to earn a UNESCO World Heritage title. Covering more than 1,500 square miles, this landscape is now easier to explore thanks to new walking trails and a visitor center. Travelers can discover one of Europe’s last untouched ecosystems, where the land stores centuries of natural history beneath its quiet, windswept surface.

Visitors can reach the Flow Country by boarding the Far North Line, which runs from Inverness to Thurso and Wick. Stepping off the train at Forsinard Station, travelers find themselves instantly surrounded by a vast, untamed bogland that stretches out like a living, breathing carpet of wild nature. Wandering along the Dubh Lochan Trail or climbing the Flows Lookout Tower, travelers step into a world of soft, spongy peat and sparkling pools, feeling the deep, wild stillness that defines Scotland's distant north.

Thanks to these changes, travelers now have new ways to explore, stepping away from the busy NC500 road and heading into quieter, wilder corners of Scotland. Hopping on the train let's travelers slow down and soak up the landscapes, where nature and old stories flow together without rush or noise. Fresh trails and hidden local spots let travelers discover the area without putting too much strain on the delicate land. The Far North Line now offers a balance between accessibility and respect for Scotland’s most remote corners.

Along the Far North Line, travelers can discover places that reveal the character of the Highlands. Close to Golspie, Dunrobin Castle rises with its tall towers and sweeping gardens, looking like it belongs in the pages of a magical storybook. A short stroll from the station in Tain leads visitors straight to the Glenmorangie distillery, where the story of Scotland's whisky-making traditions comes alive with every step inside. Near Helmsdale, rough cliffs meet soft green fields, painting a peaceful picture of the simple, steady life that has shaped the Highlands for centuries.

By bringing sustainable travel to the Flow Country, Scotland opens a door to quieter, deeper adventures. Travelers can walk through a land where centuries have left barely a mark, helping to protect its quiet beauty for those who will come after. By choosing the less-traveled paths and exercising caution, we can preserve the wild spirit of the Highlands and preserve its enchantment for future generations to experience.