I CLOSE my eyes as the platforms of London’s Euston train station fall back into the distance.
Upon later opening my peepers, and pulling up the window blind, a picture-postcard landscape of rolling hills, trees and blue sky is revealed.
The Caledonian Sleeper has worked its magic overnight, delivering me to Fort William in the heart of the Scottish Highlands in just 12 hours.
And the ride in itself was nothing ordinary – in fact, quite the opposite.
My indulgence began at Euston, before even boarding the train, as I relaxed to the max in a stylish lounge with complimentary drinks and chocolate brownies.
Once on the train, its corridors’ forest-green walls and plush carpets beckoned me toward my snug cabin – it really does feel like Harry Potter’s Hogwarts Express.
My en-suite Club cabin had a comfy bunk bed – which I had to myself – complete with squishy duvet, reading light, charging points and all the essentials for a night’s sleep – eye mask, earplugs and bottled water.
Every feature of the cabin was super-practical – the back of the door boasted a full-length mirror and the sink was tucked neatly beneath the window.
The en-suite bathroom, complete with a toilet and shower, made the cabin feel like a hotel-on-rails.
With the Club cabins you also get entry to the Club Car – a gorgeous dining spot complete with tartan placemats whose colours represent the different stations the Sleeper serves.
For my sumptuous three-course dinner, I was treated to a salmon quiche (£8) followed by a delicious harissa-and-honey chicken dish (£14) then salted caramel tart (£10).
As for a tipple, there is plenty of choice, from gins to classic wines.
Snugly tucked up in bed later, I felt the gentle rock of the train but the eyemask and earplugs helped me to drift off.
The experience’s real magic emerges in the morning though.
Waking up in sunny Scotland, with mighty mountains and sparkling lochs whizzing past my window was an experience to remember.
Sliding on my slippers and shuffling off to the Club Car once again, I am once more awe-struck as the vast glass windows reveal a fully immersive experience of the glorious Scottish countryside.
Whilst more expensive than flying, who wouldn’t want to swap airport stress for waking up amid the beauty of the Scottish wilderness?
The morning menu, from warm pastries to a full Scottish breakfast, and fresh juices to hot drinks, is impressive.
The doughy pancakes with fresh fruit leave me comfortably full as I “ooh” and “ahh” at views through the window.
The Caledonian Sleeper runs multiple routes from Euston, including to Edinburgh and Glasgow – and this week, its services expanded to include its first ever from Birmingham.
Whilst more expensive than flying, who wouldn’t want to swap airport stress for waking up amid the beauty of the Scottish wilderness?
GO: SCOTLAND
A Club en-suite room for a solo traveller costs around £200 one way or about £280 in total for two sharing.
Classic cabins and seats are available for as little as £50pp. See sleeper.scot.