Techniquest
Veteran Member
Thanks for coming back and providing an update on what you want from the journey
Incorporating both the Night Riviera and the Caledonian Sleeper, that both makes it easier and more awkward. Easier because it means there's less concern over tight connections, but awkward in finding a way to do both services without a full day somewhere. Depending on the wants and needs of yourself, your girlfriend and sister, as well as potentially your Mum too, that could work out quite well though.
I absolutely 100% wouldn't go for the seated sleeper option, that's just asking for an uncomfortable and not enjoyable experience. A sleeper cabin does increase the cost, there's no question of that, by a lot of money. Especially so on the Caledonian Sleeper, but for a one-off experience I think it's got to be done. The Caledonian Sleeper has the advantage of double rooms, with a full size double bed, which would be handy for you and your girlfriend. Much better than the bunk bed-style accommodation in other cabins, but then again that's just part of the experience!
I recently watched Steve Marsh's video on YouTube about the Night Riviera sleeper, and I highly recommend watching it for an insight into the cabin and experience in general. I liked it so much that I actually want to do the sleeper train myself, and I last did it in 2012 when the seated sleeper was still using former First Class seats. Oh wow they were comfortable! 11.5 years, nearly, later and I am finally going to book the journey soon! The video I refer to is below:
I also link to his video on the double room on the Caledonian Sleeper, which I also feels deserves a watch:
He's also done a video on the seated sleeper with Caledonian Sleeper
As for how I'd make this trip work, well clearly I'd join the sleeper at Penzance all the way to London. It is an early morning arrival, granted, but the shower facilities and the lounge in Paddington would absolutely be worth a visit to freshen up. Realistically, I'd be ready to leave Paddington by 0630, and that's with a very casual start to the day in the lounge etc. Chances are that I'd be ready sooner and making the most of my 14 and something hours in London, before joining the Highlander for a departure from Euston at 2115.
That's where the needs and wants comes into play. For a group of 3, potentially 4, adults it won't be easy to find something to do for that long that satisfies everyone. Personally, I'd easily do so but I have multiple cardio disciplines that would help fill the time if nothing else, although I'd also look to do a whole ton of trains while in London. I've no doubt whatsoever a number of us could help you plan a full day in London, if you detail what kind of things you're all interested in
Of course, it's then a case of enjoying the experience up to Inverness, with a good couple of hours for some breakfast etc before the 1041 to Wick via Thurso. Inverness is a beautiful city, well worth spending some time exploring and I've got it on my list of things to do. I've been and I personally loved it on my brief visits, even in the winter, so I've no doubt you will too
However, what I'd also suggest is something slightly different to the above. Keep it all the same up to London, enjoy the lounge etc on arrival and spend the morning doing some sightseeing etc. What I'd suggest is booking a First Class trip to Inverness with LNER, aiming perhaps for the 1200 London Kings Cross to Inverness, the Highland Chieftain, as the number one choice but also considering the journey with a change in Edinburgh if necessary. Yes it means a hotel would be required in Inverness, but I'd suggest that it could be a more enjoyable and civilised way to travel north. It also offers the opportunity to enjoy the scenery in daylight hours on the way to Scotland.
The reason I suggest that and not the Caledonian Sleeper to Inverness is two-fold. One, it provides some variety but two, it allows for the sleeper to feature as part of the southbound trip on the way back from Thurso. Now of course everyone's wants from such a trip will differ, and this post is just to give you some ideas. As I allude further up, my personal trip would be Penzance-Paddington, a full day of cardio and trains in London, the Highlander Euston-Inverness, a couple of hours exploring Inverness then the train to Thurso.
That said, given the option, I'd strongly consider another alternative for my own trip. The same up to London, then over to Kings Cross and onto Lumo to Edinburgh, connect onto a train to Aberdeen for a long overdue explore, hotel that night then early morning train to Inverness and onto the Far North.
Final thought for now is to ask whether you've considered the journey from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh? Considered one of the most scenic journeys in the UK, it's definitely a journey I'd recommend if you have the time. I did most of the journey for the first time in many years back in January, and the scenery was just beautiful. A journey I'd recommend to absolutely anyone, it's not a fast route by any means but it is so beautiful you won't want it to be over too fast anyway
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