Scotland: from coast to coastRoute Inverness to Kyle of LochalshWhich side should I sit? The right initially, then switch to left Distance 83 miles (133km) Time 2hrs 40minsFrequency 4 trains a day (2 on Sundays)Ticket £32 singleOperator ScotRailThere is only one rail route in Britain offering views of both the west and east coasts from a regular local train, and that’s the line from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh. For the east coast, look out for Cromarty Firth away to the right as the train approaches Dingwall, about half an hour after leaving Inverness. Later, you have good views of west coast sea lochs as the train runs down to the Atlantic coast at Kyle. And in between you’ll find alliterative desolation aplenty as it pauses at Achnashellach, Achnasheen, Achanalt and Attadale.The last 20 minutes down to Kyle bring a magic panorama of coast, headlands and islands. The sun sparkles on Loch Carron with glorious views north to the wild Applecross peninsula. Seals shuffle for safety as we approach Duncraig and all too soon we are pulling into Kyle of Lochalsh.Ireland: from Dublin to WicklowA remarkable piece of engineering’: the railway cuts under Bray Head in Ireland. Photograph: Vitalli/AlamyRoute Dublin Connolly to ArklowWhich side? Sit on the leftDistance 50 miles