From Birmingham to Loch Ness: A £40 Dream Train Adventure
Standing on a deserted beach as the sun dipped over the Scottish Highlands, I gazed at the shimmering waters of Loch Ness and realized I was living one of the most enchanting days of my life. Just hours earlier, I had been stuck in traffic at Five Ways island in Birmingham, stressed about missing the Caledonian Sleeper—the overnight train that rocks you to sleep in England and wakes you in Scotland.
I managed to secure a spot on this dream train, embarking on a 10-hour journey from Birmingham to Inverness. The goal was simple: to test whether the newly extended service is worth it for Brummies, with only 12 hours to explore before the return trip. Determined to make the most of it, I aimed to experience everything from family attractions to romantic spots and peaceful nature walks, all on a tight budget.
Budget-Friendly Exploration
The biggest expense of the day turned out to be the most worthwhile: a pre-paid £42 hire car from Enterprise, collected after a 15-minute walk from Inverness station. With just £15 of fuel, we circled the entire 70-mile Loch Ness, starting with a joyous roadside dance as Taylor Swift’s Cruel Summer played perfectly as the loch came into view.
Our first stop was the Loch Ness Clansman Hotel, where a plaque commemorates Ozzy Osbourne’s nighttime searches for the monster with his son. Driving through the Highlands felt effortless with such stunning scenery. In Drumnadrochit, we spent £15 on entry to The Loch Ness Centre, narrated by David Tennant, which delved into the myths, history, and science behind Nessie—leaving us convinced something might lurk in those deep waters.
Magical Stops and Natural Wonders
We skipped the £16 entry to Urquhart Castle, saving it for a future visit, and instead headed to Invermoriston. The Old Bridge over the roaring River Moriston felt like a storybook scene, with few tourists around. A walk through spongy reindeer lichen and glowing white forests, watching rapids and squirrels, brought immense peace—a must-visit for any traveler.
By 2 pm, we reached the South Shore, pausing at the Suidhe Viewpoint for a breathtaking moment shared silently with other tourists. Wildlife sightings included a majestic stag and possibly a golden eagle overhead. The Falls of Foyers, a 140ft waterfall, required energy from sausage rolls at the Waterfall Cafe after our snacks of Tunnocks Teacakes and Irn Bru ran low.
Chasing Legends at Dusk
As time dwindled, we visited the closed Boleskine House, former home of Aleister Crowley and Jimmy Page, before seeking out Steve Feltham, a famous Nessie hunter who moved from Dorset in 1991. At Dores Beach at dusk, he wasn’t in, but the pebbly shore offered a sublime setting for reflection. Both Steve and Nessie remained elusive, but their legends lingered.
Returning the hire car and boarding the Loch Ness Express back to Birmingham, I left part of my spirit behind in those forests. I plan to return on the next available Caledonian Sleeper—this time with sandwiches. Tickets start from £60 for seats with sleep kits, while rooms with beds cost around £250 for two. This independent review was written with train travel provided by Caledonian Sleeper, but all other expenses were covered personally.
