I thought I'd report on my recent trip with Caledonian Sleeper. I had booked to travel in the seats, with a bicycle, from Euston to Fort William - with the inevitable change of coach in Edinburgh for both myself and the bike. I wasn't expecting a restful night's sleep, but the ticket was £73, which was fully refundable until a couple of days prior to travel, so I was expecting a straightforward, cost- and time-efficient way to travel to the Highlands. I was continuing by train to Mallaig, and then on to Lochboisdale in the Hebrides by ferry (and to finally start actually cycling).
Boarding time at Euston came and went, with no sign of the train or any information. An announcement then did occur, advising that the stock would arrive late into Euston and to remain on the concourse. When boarding did begin, no further information was provided. I was referred from host to host on the platform, eventually being advised (to my considerable surprise) that I would be travelling in a classic room rather than the seats. What's more, a whole other (accessible) classic room had been set aside for my bike. So, I was extremely chuffed at the bargain journey I had suddenly bagged. The reason offered for the change was "it's silly for people to have to move around at Edinburgh when there are spare berths." Very noble, although I was rather bemused as a check online before leaving had indicated that the train was fully booked!
The journey itself was smooth, although I don't feel it's worth the usual price requested for a berth. I would suggest that the design of the Night Riviera cabins is superior, and certainly more cosy. No announcements or information at all on-board (especially surprising considering the late departure), and no mention of any refreshments or breakfast being available (perhaps this is offered to those who have actually paid for their room), although I would have happily paid for a cup of coffee in the morning!
Arriving in Fort William on-time alongside the Jacobite, I managed to find the host to unlock the cabin in which my bike had restfully slumbered during the journey, and continued on my way.
Boarding time at Euston came and went, with no sign of the train or any information. An announcement then did occur, advising that the stock would arrive late into Euston and to remain on the concourse. When boarding did begin, no further information was provided. I was referred from host to host on the platform, eventually being advised (to my considerable surprise) that I would be travelling in a classic room rather than the seats. What's more, a whole other (accessible) classic room had been set aside for my bike. So, I was extremely chuffed at the bargain journey I had suddenly bagged. The reason offered for the change was "it's silly for people to have to move around at Edinburgh when there are spare berths." Very noble, although I was rather bemused as a check online before leaving had indicated that the train was fully booked!
The journey itself was smooth, although I don't feel it's worth the usual price requested for a berth. I would suggest that the design of the Night Riviera cabins is superior, and certainly more cosy. No announcements or information at all on-board (especially surprising considering the late departure), and no mention of any refreshments or breakfast being available (perhaps this is offered to those who have actually paid for their room), although I would have happily paid for a cup of coffee in the morning!
Arriving in Fort William on-time alongside the Jacobite, I managed to find the host to unlock the cabin in which my bike had restfully slumbered during the journey, and continued on my way.
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