Lumo’s new direct service between London Euston and Stirling launched just months ago, and it is already regularly selling out services.We stepped on board one of the recently refurbished trains to see what the six-hour journey to the historic Scottish city was like. London Euston has long been a hub for travel between the UK’s capital and Scotland, but the new Lumo service has opened London up to a string of smaller communities along the West Coast Main Line.We boarded a busy 4.36pm service, spotting the trademark blue Lumo train immediately on the platform.The route only launched in May, but it is already proving incredibly popular — something we realised as the seats quickly filled up in the carriage around us. If the service wasn’t full, it was definitely close. Since its launch, four daily return services have run between London and Stirling. It calls at stops including Milton Keynes, Nuneaton, Crewe, Preston, Carlisle, Lockerbie, Motherwell, Whifflet, Greenfaulds and Larbert, but the exact stops of each route depend on the particular service.Lumo is operating new direct routes between London and Stirling | LUMOThe trains have a notably more subtle aesthetic than the signature bright blue seats we found ourselves in the last time we boarded a Lumo train. This is because the operator has refurbished six-car Class 222s for this route.Existing stock has been refreshed in some carriages, while others have new seating altogether. They all feature sleek grey and silver tones that create a cleaner, brighter feel. Our service was single-class, which is standard in all Lumo services as a way of keeping travel more affordable, but some things made it feel like a premium service. Not least the trolley service, which replaced the onboard shop. Hot and cold drinks and light snacks are brought straight to your seat for purchase, and the trolley came around regularly for anyone getting on at a later stop or needing a second coffee. One of the most impressive parts of the train was the speedy Wi-Fi; we would go as far as to call it the best connection we have ever experienced on board a UK train. But if high-speed internet isn’t for you, there is plenty to keep you entertained simply by looking out the window.The scenery is dominated by towns, motorways and industrial landscapes as the train leaves London, but head further north and you are soon faced with views of rolling hills, peaceful viaducts and wildlife. We have travelled between London and Scotland many times over the years, and train travel can often feel like a longer option than flying — indeed, this particular journey was scheduled at 5 hours 54 minutes. But once you factor in the time it takes to travel to an airport, check in early and go through airport security, the difference in journey time is barely noticeable. And the train is increasingly appealing. Plus, all Lumo travellers can bring one small bag and one medium suitcase, free of charge.And with this particular service stopping in so many local towns, it can reduce travel time at the other end. The train made good time when travelling both to and from Stirling and — while the new carriages are still experiencing some teething issues — the staff couldn’t have been more helpful and eager to make it a pleasant journey. Until now, many trains between London and Scotland have terminated in Glasgow or Edinburgh, so we would highly recommend taking advantage of the final calling point and travelling all the way to Stirling.Not only is it a major medieval city with an impressive castle and home to Wallace Monument, but it also has a historic old town with a similar charm to Edinburgh. Stirling is a great starting point for exploring some of Scotland’s most dramatic landscapes, such as the world-famous Loch Lomond, less than one hour away by car.Or hop off at one of the small Scottish towns before the final destination: Whifflet, Greenfaulds, and Larbert — services Lumo describes as having their first-ever direct rail links to the UK’s capital. If you have time, these stops are well worth spending time in themselves. Whifflet is a springboard to sites such as Bothwell Castle and Strathclyde County Park, while Greenfaulds offers tranquillity with peaceful nature reserves. Larbert is a great stop for seeing the Falkirk Wheel, the Kelpies, and Helix Park, while being less than 45 minutes by train from both Edinburgh and Glasgow. Lumo’s Stirling route is about more than simply adding another train between England and Scotland. It makes smaller towns part of the long-distance rail map – and, with fares starting from £29.90 when booked in advance, boarding the next service is a no-brainer.As my near-six-hour voyage came to an end in Stirling, the journey really had felt part of the holiday experience, rather than something to endure before the trip begins. The carriages have been refurbished, featuring sleek, grey seats | LUMO Stirling is a beautiful part of Scotland | GETTYWhere to stay in StirlingColessio Hotel, StirlingThe Colessio Hotel is a well-located base for exploring Stirling easily on foot. The hotel has a welcoming atmosphere, with large and comfortable rooms that offer views of nearby attractions, rolling mountains and Stirling’s cobbled streets. One of the highlights of a stay here is the breakfast. Guests can help themselves to an extensive tea selection, fresh coffee, cereals and fruits, while choosing cooked options from a menu. For a local and hearty start to the day, guests can tuck into a full Scottish Breakfast, complete with haggis, square sausage and tattie scones. Also on the menu are all the classic hot breakfast foods, making it an ideal choice before heading out to discover Stirling.The hotel is just a short walk from Stirling’s main attractions, including Stirling Castle and the historic Old Town. The city’s shops, restaurants, cafés and historic streets are also close by, so there is plenty to see and do without needing to travel far. Stirling’s train station is less than a 15-minute walk away, making the Colessio particularly convenient for those arriving by rail or exploring the city without a car. It is also well placed for visiting nearby sights and taking in more of the surrounding area.Whether you are visiting for the castle, soaking up the city’s history or simply looking for a convenient base for a Scottish getaway, the hotel is a great starting point.