TR: London to Inverness - return to the sleeper train

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I go up to Scotland every year and have done for the last decade. It’s a bit of a tradition now.

This time, after having such a fun time on the Caledonian Sleeper before You can read it here! I really wanted to try it again.

The entrance to the Virgin First Class lounge was still a mess: they are building a mezzanine floor at the station; which is almost complete.

From my experience last time knew it was a waste of time to try and be there anything more than an hour before the train departed – it’s just too busy.

Still, Euston Station is busy too.

The lounge has a … distinctive… style, as you can see.

[SIZE=12pt]But as regards refreshments – thin pickings.[/SIZE]

 

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Some teas and coffees, mini cans of Pepsi and Lemonade and some nuts, and that was about it. But I didn’t care! I was going on the Sleeper!

Before heading down to the platform (1); I paused to look at the best departure screen ever: one train going to Fort William, Aberdeen AND Inverness. And intermediate stations.

 

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I headed down to Platform 1, and snapped a few other trains in the station at the time.

I have to say, Platforms 1 and 2 do look a tad bleak…

The trains are still old – new ones are coming in 2018

On the platform, you find your assigned carriage (on the ticket) and there, a steward checks you in. There were a few people in front of me but it didn’t take too long.

As I had added an evening meal to my booking (+£10) the very friendly steward mentioned that my table had been reserved and I could go to the lounge whenever I was ready. Because this train was busier, you share a table with another traveller, which works really well. Because on the sleeper train, everyone is ready to talk!

You can opt for standard class, which means the possibility of sharing with someone of the same sex. That’s not for me, so paid a little extra for First Class, which gives you single occupancy and yay! Free breakfast! And access to the lounge car.

[SIZE=12pt]The cabin was prepared:[/SIZE]

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The amenity kit includes a face cloth, eye mask, socks, ear plugs, soap, body lotion, sleep spray and guide to a better sleep.

Lots of hanging space

It has to be said that the carriages are showing their age.

It was off to the restaurant car.

Wine Time!

 

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Dinner ... With haggis, neeps and tatties and red onion marmalade.

Then the cheese board

Then a G&T or three...

Oops!

The person I shared my table with was really very interesting and the conversation flowed freely.

However I suddenly found that I was the last person standing. Time for a pic of the lounge car.

 

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[SIZE=12pt]I went back to the cabin, and surprisingly, feel asleep quite quickly.
The carriage change at Edinburgh wasn’t as jarring as I found previously and I woke to this view:[/SIZE]

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Breakfast time.

[SIZE=12pt]This also comes with fresh* orange juice. * from concentrate[/SIZE]

The further north we travelled the snowier it looked.

 

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It’s the Highlands. It’s always going to be amazing J

We arrived in Inverness perfectly on time, and I took a pic of the engine that took us all the way.

 

[Bob Dylan]

Nice trip and pics, thanks for sharing!

The only way to improve it would be to have some Bailey's for your coffee!

 

[Deni]

You're killing me with those great pictures. I LOVE that train ride, especially the Fort William section. I dream of going on it again.

So did they change the rule, do you have to have first class to go to the lounge car now? Or is it just priority seating for first class?

I last took the Caledonian Sleeper in 2013 from Fort William to London, a grand time in the lounge car with friends and fellow travelers well into the night.

 

[hermit]

Nice trip and pics! Thanks for sharing!

 

[DetroitTed]

Thanks for the pictures and commentary. I've already booked my sleeper for London - Edinburgh next January and I can't wait!

 

[caravanman]

Nice pics! By coincidence, I recently enjoyed two "bargain break" road coach trips to Scotland, and saw the Caladonian Sleeper arriving at Fort William.

On one of the coach trips to Loch Lomond, I had plans to head off for the day by myself, and ride the West Highland Line up to Mallaig and back, but due to a mix up over the fare, I only got a few stations up the line before being asked to leave the train or pay an extortionate amount for the correct ticket.

I decamped, but hope to ride this route soon!

Ed.