You can travel to Scotland from London on an overnight train from £19 one way. It's a great time effective, civilised and sometimes romantic way to get to the heart of Scotland. Two Caledonian Sleeper trains leave London Euston every night, except Saturday, and travel to Inverness, Fort William, Aviemore, Gleneagles, Aberdeen, Stirling, Dundee, Glasgow and Edinburgh. Miniature hotels on rails, these sleeper trains have 1 and 2 berth compartments with real beds and a place to wash. Towels, soap and a complimentary toiletry pack are provided. They are fully air conditioned, have a lounge with steward service of spirits, beer, wine and soft drinks and snacks. Breakfast is included in the fare and is served in your berth. There are also cheaper reclining seats. ScotRail run Caledonian Sleepers and are crewed by Scottish staff.

The Caledonian overnight sleeper from London to Fort William is sometimes known as 'The Deerstalker' and is a fantastic train ride. Arrive in Fort William in the West Scottish Highlands at 9.43am after boarding in London at 9pm the previous day. Regular fares start at £49 one-way or £99 return including breakfast sharing a 2-berth room or £169 with a room to yourself (passengers travelling alone can book a berth in a 2-berth room and share with another passenger of the same sex, if they don't want to pay the 1st class single berth fare). 'Bargain Berth' fares are available online for just £19/£29/£39/£49 one-way, although these cheap deals are few and far between on this particular train.

For the complete experience, take the connecting train from Fort William to the end of the line at Mallaig, a small fishing port and ferry terminal for Skye. Alternatively, just 15 minutes walk from Fort William you could climb Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Britain.