🚞🏞️ London to the Scottish Highlands — The Coastal Route That Heals Your Soul

#myfavoriteroute During my last work trip to Inverness, one of the northernmost towns in the UK, I decided to ditch the plane and challenge myself with the iconic London to Inverness direct coastal train — a journey of nearly 8 hours along the UK’s dramatic east coast. And honestly, it turned out to be one of the most rewarding, scenic travel experiences I’ve ever had. 🌊 The Route Highlights The real magic begins shortly after you pass Newcastle, where the train hugs the coastline for a long stretch. Imagine endless sea views, rugged cliffs, and charming coastal villages rushing past your window. Once you cross into Scotland, the landscape transforms — rolling hills, vast open spaces, and flocks of adorable sheep grazing peacefully. It feels like watching a postcard come to life, and the peacefulness of the Scottish Highlands slowly unfolds the closer you get to Inverness. One particularly charming stop along the way is Berwick-upon-Tweed, a quaint border town whose full name translates to “Berwick by the River Tweed” — it sounds just as cute as it looks! 🚆 Practical Tips for This Route ✔️ The direct London to Inverness LNER service takes around 8 hours, with two trains running daily in each direction. Typically, there’s a morning departure arriving by evening — perfect for soaking up the scenery. ✔️ If you want to make the journey even more special, there’s also the Caledonian Sleeper, an overnight train that departs late at night and arrives in the Highlands the next morning. I didn’t have time to try it this trip, but it’s on my list! ✔️ Seat Selection Matters: You can choose your seat when booking. Since the train isn’t always full for the entire route, I recommend reserving a forward-facing seat with a table — perfect for relaxing, working, or simply enjoying the stunning views. 🐑 Why I Recommend This Route This journey is more than just transport — it’s a slow, calming transition from the hustle of London to the wild beauty of Scotland. Whether you’re a tourist or travelling for work like me, it’s a fantastic way to experience the diverse landscapes of the UK in one sitting, without airport queues or driving fatigue. Watching the changing scenery — from bustling cities to coastal cliffs to highland hills — makes the long journey feel surprisingly short. It’s also a great chance to unwind, read a book, spot wildlife, or simply watch the world go by. ✔️ Final Thoughts If you have time and enjoy scenic travel, skip the plane at least once and take the train from London to Inverness. Especially for coastal view lovers or anyone needing a dose of quiet, soul-healing beauty — this route is my personal favourite in the UK. #travel #train #unitedkingdom