This map of the  West Coast of Scotland shows hostels, bunkhouses, and bothies on the West Coast and on the Isle of Skye and the islands of the Hebrides.

These hostels are all part of the Independent Hostels UK network, the largest network of bunkhouses and hostels in the UK, and provide great value self catering accommodation.

Travel up the west coast by road from Kyle of Lochalsh to Ullapool, a curving route past beaches and white sand bays with mountains providing the backdrop to the views.  A slow route through the true wilderness, now incorporated into the North Coast 500 road route.

Or take the bridge to Skye and travel up the Hebrides hop scotching by ferry from island to island. Then back to the mainland from Stornoway on Lewis to Ullapool on the mainland.

Read this blog by our resident blogger about how The Western Isles Are Calling.  Perfect for Western Coast travel inspiration.

This map shows the location of hostels in the Northern Highlands of Scotland. They are all part of Independent Hostels UK, the largest network of hostels and bunkhouses in the UK.

The Northern Highlands are a geographically vast and diverse area. From the Cairngorms National Park to the sea cliffs and Flow Country of Caithness. To the huge valley of the Great Glen to the sea lochs and islands of the West coast.  And from the imposing mountains of Sutherland to the beautiful sandy beaches and surf of the North coast. All of these are linked by the common denominator of stunning scenery and some wonderful winding roads.

The NC500

The North Coast 500 route is an increasingly popular way to see the best that the area has to offer. Many others come to walk in some of Scotland’s most scenically imposing mountains, such as Foinaven, Suilven, and the hills of Torridon. Some walkthroughs on the long distance Cape Wrath Trail (which requires wild camping on some nights). Others still cycle through it on the last few days of LeJoG or the beginning of JoGLE.  See the quaint village of Cromarty on the Black Isle, visit historic Dunrobin Castle, stay in the bustling port at Ullapool, or try fine dining in some of the great local restaurants in places like Applecross and Lochinver. In an area this big, there are literally too many things to see and do for us to mention here.

Hostels in Northern Scotland

The hostels in the Northern Highlands of Scotland are well equipped for those taking part in outdoor pursuits and are well used to catering to walkers, cyclists, and those who have been out on the water. Those in the towns offer an affordable alternative to budget hotel chains for those on a tight budget, or those who just want to stay somewhere less impersonal.  Independent hostels are privately owned, like B&Bs, but are different in every other way. They typically offer a mix of private rooms (many en suites) and beds in shared dormitory rooms. They provide self catering facilities and a warm and buzzing communal atmosphere. Most will generally have WiFi, drying rooms, laundry facilities, bike storage, and sometimes catered food for those who want it.

This map of the Lochaber, Loch Lomond, and the Trossachs shows bunkhouses, bothies & hostels around Fort William and near Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Part of Independent Hostels UK, the largest network of bunkhouses and hostels in the UK.

This map shows the area inland from the west coast of Scotland including Lochaber and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. The Lochaber area of the Scottish west Highlands covers from Rannoch Moor in the south to the west coast around Mallaig and Ardnamurchan, and as far east as Fort William, the start of the Great Glen. It includes much of the county of Perthshire. The town of Fort William in Lochaber is often referred to as the outdoor capital of Scotland. Ben Nevis rises above Fort William and Loch Linnhe starts near the town. Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park are easily accessible from the cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh. Here you can climb Munros such as Ben Lomond in the Arrochar or take to the waters of Loch Lomond by boat and explore the many islands.

Hostels along the Great Glen including Loch Ness, Fort William, and Inverness

This map shows the location of Independent Hostels along the Great Glen, which runs between Fort William and Inverness and includes the world-famous Loch Ness and its equally famous inhabitant, Nessie. (If you do find the monster we will need picture proof). They are all part of Independent Hostels UK, the largest network of hostels and bunkhouses in the UK.

In the south of the Glen, Fort William is known as the Outdoor Capital of the UK. It nestles in the shadow of the UK’s highest mountain, Ben Nevis, and is not far from the superb valley of Glencoe. The Great Glen itself is ideal for water pursuits, such as boat trips on the lochs or along the Caledonian Canal, as well as canoeing and white water rafting. The countryside is perfect terrain for hill walkers or long-distance walkers on the Great Glen Way or the new South Loch Ness Trail. Cyclists will enjoy the off-road trails or take part in LeJoG on the rolling local roads.

Not the Adventurous type?

If adventure is not your thing, you can visit Urquhart Castle, the Falls of Foyers, the canal lock staircase at Fort Augustus, or many other local attractions. At the northern end of the Glen, the Highland capital Inverness boasts all the restaurants, bars, and shops you could want, plus the beautiful Ness Islands, and Eden Court Theatre. With its own airport, it’s perfect for a city break. The cities of Scotland, outside of Glasgow and Edinburgh, are very underappreciated by tourists.

The Independent hostels and bunkhouses in this area are well equipped for those taking part in outdoor pursuits. They are well used to catering to walkers, cyclists, and those who have been out on the water. Those in the towns offer an affordable alternative to budget hotel chains for those on a tight budget, or those who just want to stay somewhere less impersonal.  Independent hostels are privately owned, like B&Bs, but are different in every other way. They typically offer a mix of private rooms (many en suites) and beds in shared dormitory rooms. They provide self catering facilities and a warm and buzzing communal atmosphere. They will generally have WiFi, drying rooms, laundry facilities, bike storage, and sometimes catered food for those who want it.