Why the Caledonian sleeper train is Britain's contender for the world's greatest train journey

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timehe caledonia sleeper car from London arrive fort william Billing itself as one of the world’s greatest rail journeys, it promises to take passengers beyond their phones through a series of stunning mountain landscapes. I wouldn’t have any complaints if the driver reversed and repeated this 122 mile stretch (West Highland Line). This is an extension of the dissolution of civilization Scotland Presenting the most vivid wild state.

The journey begins in London Euston The railway is located at Platform 1, one of the few railway stations long enough to accommodate 16 sleeping cars. It is the same length as Eurostar, making it the UK’s longest domestic flight.

Boarding starts 45 minutes before departure at 9:15pm and is quick and easy.

The Caledonian Sleeper sails past Rannoch Moor (caledonia sleeper car)

Despite the terminal’s grim, brutal feel, my 8-year-old daughter and I were giddy with excitement at the thought of spending the night in a hotel on wheels that would take us 418 miles north across the Atlantic Ocean. Lake District and the Highlands to the foothills of Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest peak and also known as the “Outdoor Capital of the UK”.

Later, after checking in with one of the moderators on the platform fort william One part of the train will be divided into three parts Edinburghone part of which will be Aberdeen Another one arrives Inverness.

My daughter and I looked into our classic room, which was more luxurious than the seat-only option, but the sleeper compartment was the lowest class, below the club suites and twin suites. These carriages have showers and toilets, but there are shared toilets at both ends of the carriage.

Our spotless amenities included a bunk bed, a mirrored door to make the room look larger, a mirrored sink, a bar of luxury lime, mahogany and sandalwood soap, and two clothes hangers. One end of the lower bunk has a temperature control knob, a main light dimmer knob, a reading light, and a USB port. Opposite is a panel with two plug sockets, two USB ports, a host call button and a button that illuminates the light around the window.

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There are also nifty phone, wallet or purse holders on both ends. Those in the upper bunk only get one of the stands, plus a charging port and two light switches, one for the main light and one for the spotlight.

There are extras too – a sleep kit with eye mask and ear plugs, and a free bottle of mineral water. I also noticed that the lower bunk cleverly doubles as a sofa thanks to the wall-mounted cushions.

Ted lives in the classic room, in family mode, connecting door open (caledonia sleeper car)

Functionality trumps flashiness in terms of design – although the panels upholstered in Harris tweed give it a warm feel, the vibe is slightly drab and a nod to the destination.

Size-wise, it’s a squeeze – there’s only room for one person changing at a time, and there’s only enough space under the bottom bunk for small to medium luggage. I brought a bulky backpack and leaned against the sink the entire trip. Consider traveling light.

Ted described his cabin as “crowded” but his bed was “very comfortable” (Ted Thornhill)

After playing with the light switch and wrestling bag under the bed, we dealt with our hunger pangs. There is one restaurant on board – the Club Car – but the Caledonian Sleeper operates a dining hierarchy: only guests staying in suites are guaranteed a table. If your sleeper car doesn’t have a toilet, you’re on “available space” status and forced to request a spot despite paying hundreds of dollars in airfare.

Luckily, a tempting dinner menu is available via room service. Main courses include Venison Braised (£14), Lentil Bolognese (£12), Whiskey Sauce Haggis (£14) and Lammermuir Smoked Cheddar Mac and Cheese (£14). Desserts include lemon curd tart (£10), blackcurrant mousse cake (£10) or Scottish cheese platter (£14).

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We ordered the mac and cheese – delicious, with a tangy and earthy cheddar coating, and delivery was quick. After that, it was easy to fall asleep.

The bed is very comfortable, with a supportive mattress and quality bedding, making it feel cozy and cozy once you get into the cabin.

Caledonia Double Suite (caledonia sleeper car)

I woke up in Edinburgh to the ballet of train splitting going on – there was a bit of a thump and jolt as the diesel locomotive replaced the electric locomotive pulling the train from Euston – but otherwise I was guaranteed a full night’s sleep. The same goes for my daughter, but that doesn’t say anything about the cabin comfort as she would be strapped outside and sleep soundly.

For breakfast (booked via the tick box menu hanging on the door) we managed to snag a few seats in the hallowed club car. This experience is divine. Seated in booths and stools amid more Harris Tweed fabrics, diners can enjoy the stunning views. The scenery was so magical that I didn’t dare look down at my fruit, yoghurt and pancakes (£10) for fear of missing even a yard.

The show begins as the train leaves Glasgow’s Queen Street Station and heads into valleys carved by Ice Age glaciers, through remote moors dotted with lakes and past majestic ancient volcanoes.

At around 7am, the train skirted the majestic Loch Lomond, with its 3,000-plus foot peaks (known as the Munros in Scotland) and The Trossachs National Park forming a guard of honor.

Just north of the park boundary, breakfast was forgotten as I was stunned by the canyon below the pyramid-shaped Beinn Dorain (3,524 feet) and the winding route across the Allt Kingglass Viaduct. The route has run parallel to the A82 since Loch Lomond, but after stopping at the Bridge of Orchy, with Beinn Dorain behind us, the route moves away from the road network and into the pristine peat bog wilderness of Rannoch Moor.

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There are stunning sweeping views from both sides of the carriage, but look to the left (west) and you’ll see Buachaille Etive Mòr (3,352 feet) and Bidean nam Bian (3,773 feet), the collapsed remnants of the Glencoe supervolcano that erupted 420 million years ago.

The Club Car has some of the best views of the Scottish Highlands and serves dinner and breakfast (Ted Thornhill)

Halfway through the moors, the train stops at Corrour, famous for being the highest railway station in the UK at 1,347 feet above sea level with no public road access and a pilgrimage destination for many. trainspotting fan. It’s here that Mark Renton, played by Ewan McGregor, utters the famous line: “It sucks to be Scottish”.

There is also the joy of wildlife. We spotted dozens of roaming stags sharing this precious landscape with red squirrels, Highland cattle, golden eagles, peregrine falcons and ospreys.

There are seat coaches in the sleeper car (caledonia sleeper car)

As the train approaches Fort William, it travels along the otherworldly Loch Traeger, nestled beneath two majestic mountains, Stob Coire Easain (3,658 ft) and Stob a’Coire Meadhoin (3,625 ft).

Just before the train pulls into the (dull as dishwater) Fort William station, Ben Nevis (4,413 feet above sea level) – the remnants of a massive 350-million-year-old volcano – provides a scenic last hurray. It’s often covered in clouds (like us, you’re probably too busy frantically packing your belongings to look out the window), but you can see it from the left as the line curves into town.

Ted's train approaches Fort William under scarred skies with the valley covered in clouds — Ted’s train approaches Fort William under scarred skies with the valley covered in clouds (Ted Thornhill)

Although the journey starts and ends at two of the most unassuming stations in the UK, and the service is mediocre – I noticed that even the most expensive room with a toilet doesn’t guarantee a warm welcome – the journey is still a sure winner for any self-respecting train travel bucket list.

Ted paid £325 for a one-way classic room, with pre-sale prices starting from around £195. Fares start from around £84 one way. Learn more Caledonia Sleeper Website.

Uk Britains Caledonian contender greatest journey sleeper train worlds