Caledonian Sleeper to Inverness - review
Railway journeys are the defining cultural experience of our age, so it was inevitable I'd choose this mode of transport for my summer outing. The Inverness Caledonian Sleeper service makes an unpromising start from Euston, a worthy competitor for the title of London's least attractive railway terminus. Perhaps it's the drab 1960's feel of the place, or possibly the beer-swilling northerners (no offence!) on the station concourse. In any case, boarding can't come too soon, as we are welcomed by the friendly staff, drawn mainly from the Baltic states.
The cabins are clean and functional, but decidedly not luxurious. The faded decor throughout the sleeper carriages and the lounge suggest that First Scotrail has decided shareholder profit can't be sacrificed at the altar of customer service. Nevertheless, the lounge car is comfortable enough, and a pleasant environment in which to consume a sleeping draught. At least the bar tariff has a 21st century feel about it.
A patchy night's sleep ensues, as the train winds its way up the west coast mainline. Rising at 0700, we find ourselves two hours behind schedule in the central lowlands, but who cares? Within half an hour the magnificent Highland scenery is rolling by, as we tuck in to breakfast washed down with as much tea and coffee as can be drunk. The perfect start to a day in the far north. Only the prospect of a return journey by aeroplane can detract from the pleasure of the experience.