Our Favourite Dog-Friendly Adventure: From London to Scotland on the Caledonian Sleeper Train

Are you a dog parent who loves to travel and explore new destinations with your furry friend? If so, you’re going to love this! Join us on a pawsome journey from London to Scotland on the iconic Caledonian sleeper train, where dogs are very welcome.

Boarding the Caledonian Sleeper Train

Our journey started with a seamless boarding process that allowed us to relax and enjoy the journey ahead. With priority boarding and access to the dog-friendly Caledonian Lounge (with complimentary food and snacks), our adventure began on a high note.

Traveling with Pets on the Caledonian Sleeper

The Caledonian sleeper train offers pet-friendly cabins, allowing up to two pets to join their humans on board. A cleaning fee of £30 per room ensures that the cabins are deep cleaned after each journey. Dogs are not allowed on the beds, but with a settle mat in tow, Evie cosied up beside me on my bunk.

Dog-friendly Facilities

Complimentary access to the dog-friendly lounges at Euston Station and Fort William is available when booking a club room for you and your dog. We loved that both lounges had showers so we could clean Evie’s paws before boarding.

Pet Etiquette and Bathroom Breaks

Pets are not permitted to relieve themselves on the train, and we made sure to take Evie outside for bathroom breaks before boarding and during brief stops along the journey. Whether it was a driver change at dawn or a short stop in the evening, Evie had the opportunity to stretch her legs and do her business before settling back in for the rest of the ride. As the train is overnight, I’d imagine most dogs who sleep through the night without a bathroom break would be fine on the train, too!

A Restful Night’s Sleep

Despite the gentle rhythm of the train, we all managed to catch some well-deserved Z’s during our travels. With me on the bottom bunk, dog dad on the top bunk, and Evie on her settle mat, we enjoyed a peaceful night’s sleep, interrupted only briefly by a driver change during the return journey.

Exploring Glencoe and Fort William with Evie

Upon arriving in Scotland, we continued our adventure with Easydrive Car and Van Rental in Fort William. The experience was seamless – we were met with the car at the train station, and to return the car, we simply parked at the station and locked the keys in the boot. Hiring a car allowed us to venture far and wide across the picturesque landscapes of Scotland. Here’s what we got up to:

Where We Stayed

We stayed in a luxurious Woodlands SeaBeds Luxury Lookout Lodge overlooking Loch Linnhe. The contemporary suite featured a jacuzzi hot tub, spacious beds, and a cinema-style screen, offering the ultimate in comfort and relaxation. From daily complimentary breakfast baskets to breathtaking views and plush amenities, our stay at Woodlands Glencoe was nothing short of magical. We spent our evenings lounging in the hot tub, taking in the scenery, and creating unforgettable memories with Evie by our side.

What We Got Up To

Our first stop at the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, nestled in the Highlands near Fort William, was such a cool experience. There’s a short 30-minute walk to the viewpoint, where if you’re lucky (and if you’re there at the right time of year!) you might catch sight of the Jacobite steam train.

Next, we embraced adventure as we ascended Aonach Mòr Mountain on the Nevis Range Mountain Gondola. We weren’t sure what Evie would think of the gondola, but she seemed totally chilled and loved looking out of the window! The unique experience of riding Britain’s only mountain gondola was incredible, allowing us to watch Evie experience proper snow for the first time. Truly a moment that altered my brain chemistry! Whilst in the clouds, we stopped by The Snowgoose Cafe and warmed up with some soup and hot chocolates.

Our journey continued to Rannoch Moor, a haven for nature enthusiasts seeking encounters with red deer against a backdrop of untamed wilderness. As we headed down the A82 towards Glencoe, we spotted so many deer. Apparently, they’re especially prominent in winter when they descend to the roadside in search of salt. There were many viewpoints along the way, and we stopped a few times for a stroll and to enjoy the scenery.

Our favourite hike was definitely a very sunny stroll to Steall Falls. The road to the car park was stunning, guiding us through the valley flanked by the imposing silhouette of Ben Nevis, the UK’s tallest peak. Venturing into the Nevis Gorge, we hiked for around 2k to Scotland’s second-highest waterfall, a hidden gem nestled within the rugged terrain of Glen Nevis. We continued along the trail for a further 5k before turning back – it felt like there was no end to the trail!

On our last day, we found ourselves at the start of the Great Glen Way, a 118.5km trail that traverses the Highlands from Fort William to Inverness, connecting key landmarks along the way. We decided to cut that short by 110k or so… opting for a scenic stroll from Fort William to Neptune’s Staircase! Neptune’s Staircase is a staircase lock comprising eight locks on the Caledonian Canal. It was built in the early 1800s and it is still the longest staircase lock in Britain.

Our escapades across Scotland has left us with incredible memories, and the highlands now have a very special place in our hearts. So grateful to have been able to experience the highlands, with Evie, thanks to the Caledonian Sleeper!