One of the longest passenger trains in the UK has been making a rare appearance in York in the early hours of the morning over the last couple of months.
Diverted from its usual route through Cumbria because of engineering work, the ‘Highlander’ Caledonian Sleepers from London Euston to Inverness run with up to 16 coaches including seated accommodation and deluxe cabins with a double bed and shower.
It’s long because once it gets to Edinburgh it splits into three portions to serve Fort William and Aberdeen as well as Inverness.
Another two portion train also serves Edinburgh and Glasgow. This is called the Lowlander and is also running through York at the moment. Neither train is stopping to pick up passengers at York.
There is extensive engineering work at Carstairs near Motherwell which has blocked the usual route from London Euston.
It’s not always a cheap option, with fares for the best room, complete with shower, in this ‘hotel on wheels’, costing hundreds of pounds a trip.
Sitting upright on a seat for 8 hours is considerably less expensive
Serco currently runs the service but recently the Scottish Government announced it was taking back control.