London to Inverness - by Sleeper
Mar 14, 2016, 6:49 pm
#16
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: On the underground
Programs: BMI Dimond club, BA Executive Club
Posts: 462
Went up last year if you get two first tickets you can ask for ones with a connecting door to peep in.
Haggis neeps and tatties are my recommendation. The wine list was very reasonably priced. The whisky list was very long and was great for a night cap.
Wanted to head up in a couple of months but they want Ł200 for a standard bunk for a random Tuesday. BA was Ł45 for the flight no brainer. We are getting the day train back as we want to see the views in day light.
Mar 14, 2016, 6:57 pm
#17
Join Date: May 2014
Location: CMH, HNL
Programs: UA, HA
Posts: 583
^ Great brief report, Sealink! I'm surprised that every table doesn't have its own power point, but perhaps that's to be expected given the carriage age. It sounds like there wasn't much fuss about shifting around to a different table?
Mar 17, 2016, 2:44 pm
#19
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: The greatest wee nation on earth.
Programs: Iron Maiden FC, GE, Rapidly falling down the Tiers to oblivion.
Posts: 2,604
Have they taken away what i know as the lounge car which is loose seats and sofas where you can grab a few drinks and a plate of haggis neeps and tatties (seat61's review on his site shows it) and wobble away on the bar style seats/tables and then the sofa for a few pints?. I think what you had as the lounge car used to be the seating coach and would be full of students in days gone by (and they sat there all night).
And see those 158s? Hate them, always sigh when they appear for my commute, especially when they appear for a peak service from stirling to glasgow and only 2 carriages. They are refurbishing them though with two usb ports per seat pair and finally more legroom (something woefully missing on the old school 158s).
And see those 158s? Hate them, always sigh when they appear for my commute, especially when they appear for a peak service from stirling to glasgow and only 2 carriages. They are refurbishing them though with two usb ports per seat pair and finally more legroom (something woefully missing on the old school 158s).
Last edited by jcm9000; Mar 17, 2016 at 2:59 pm
Mar 20, 2016, 6:10 pm
#21
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Bridport, Dorset
Programs: Mucci, BA Bronze, Hilton Gold
Posts: 2,127
You can then allocate both pax to same cabin. Although often the difference in price is negligible.
Mar 20, 2016, 6:12 pm
#23
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Bridport, Dorset
Programs: Mucci, BA Bronze, Hilton Gold
Posts: 2,127
Have they taken away what i know as the lounge car which is loose seats and sofas where you can grab a few drinks and a plate of haggis neeps and tatties (seat61's review on his site shows it) and wobble away on the bar style seats/tables and then the sofa for a few pints?. I think what you had as the lounge car used to be the seating coach and would be full of students in days gone by (and they sat there all night).
And see those 158s? Hate them, always sigh when they appear for my commute, especially when they appear for a peak service from stirling to glasgow and only 2 carriages. They are refurbishing them though with two usb ports per seat pair and finally more legroom (something woefully missing on the old school 158s).
And see those 158s? Hate them, always sigh when they appear for my commute, especially when they appear for a peak service from stirling to glasgow and only 2 carriages. They are refurbishing them though with two usb ports per seat pair and finally more legroom (something woefully missing on the old school 158s).
Mar 24, 2016, 2:32 pm
#25
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: New York
Programs: BAEC Silver, &c.
Posts: 446
Thanks for this report, Sealink! My partner and I have booked first-class compartments for a summer trip to Scotland. We're still mulling over our plans, and aren't sure if we want to take the train both ways, or fly one way.
And wickscorrie, we're also thinking of heading to Wick.
And wickscorrie, we're also thinking of heading to Wick.
Mar 25, 2016, 2:02 am
#26
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Asia/Europe
Programs: CX, OZ, MU (+AY, DL), Shangri-La, Hilton
Posts: 7,236
Excellent trip report on a classic train route! Would very much like to do that particular sleeper trip with my dad and close friends as part of a Highlands tour.
My GF and mom do unfortunately not appreciate that gentlemen's form of travel too much...
My GF and mom do unfortunately not appreciate that gentlemen's form of travel too much...
Mar 28, 2016, 8:54 pm
#29
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
Thank you for posting this. It's a train I'm really interested in taking so it's good to see a report. The sleeping accommodations look similar to Amtrak here in the US but the lounge and food look far superior.
Apr 4, 2016, 10:23 am
#30
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 3
. Yes, the lounge car is still there, and it is a highlight of the train for many. There are drinks, snacks and even full meals. I noticed a few people asking if they can share with their partner. Yes, if you are booking a ticket for two, you will share a cabin (unless you choose to take two first class cabins - one each). Otherwise, you will be in a shared cabin with someone of the same gender. Personally I prefer my own cabin, so tend to choose a first class cabin for one.
It is an excellent train, and you do feel like it is something special when you see it sitting on the platform. It travels the length of the UK, and there is always a sense of adventure with it. Some have said better than Amtrak... no, Amtrak long distance trains are great
. But, I would say just as good.Anyway from May we get BA flying to Inverness again, which I will of course enjoy, but I'll still be on the sleeper too! Happy to answer any questions people may have about the sleeper.