A journey to the south which almost didn’t happen. It’s Monday 5th February. The last train of the day from the far north already cancelled the previous day, in anticipation of bad weather. The early afternoon train also gets cancelled on the day, due to landslides on the Far North line. No trains from Inverness to Edinburgh due to flooding near Kingussie. All looking bleak for a journey south.

This is the result of the rain forecast, the first yellow weather warning of the trip.

A lift to Inverness followed by a replacement bus to Edinburgh means I get to board the sleeper just before midnight. I am then woken up for breakfast at 0415 ready to get off at Crewe. Sleep deprivation!

More weather warnings: rain in South England, snow in mid to North England, snow in North Scotland, ready for the return trip.

The cycle to Didcot on Thursday is wet, as is the ride across London from Paddington to Euston. My feet are soaked.

This is my first time in the Caledonian Sleeper guest lounge. Limited choice of food, but some is complimentary. A chance to change to dry footwear and use the toilet. There is also speedy boarding passes, making getting on the sleeper far easier. A big plus.

On with the journey on the far north line, which appears to be running. There are more snowy views.

Despite the multiple weather warnings the trip back is without issue.