The hostels on this map of the Northern Highlands of Scotland are in the northern most counties of the Scottish mainland, Caithness, Sutherland, Ross & Cromarty and Inverness-shire. Providing self catering accommodation for those on the Lands end to John o Groats routes and for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy the wilderness and mountains. Drying rooms and cycle shed make these hostels ideal accommodation for walkers and mountaineers. Sutherland contains many splendid mountains providing some of the best mountain scenery in Scotland. There are also beautiful glens and this was once clan country, with a history of the Mackay, Rose and Sutherland Clans. A drive around the North Coast 500 road route is a great way to see this area.
Highlands of Scotland
Findhorn Village Hostel is right by the beautiful Moray Coast. Great wildlife sites & the Speyside distilleries are within reach. It provides self-catering accommodation for groups or individuals. It has shared bunkrooms, a two-person room & an en-suite family room. Large communal kitchen/ dining/ living area. A self-contained studio (6 beds) has a small kitchenette & en-suite shower.
A warm welcome & great value accommodation in Oban for singles, couples, families & groups. Enjoy a large self-catering kitchen, spacious lounge, comfortable rooms & big beds. Corran House is perfect for exploring Argyll & the inner Hebrides & is close to the bus, train & ferry. Downstairs try Markie Dans bar for tasty meals, live music & Highland hospitality.
Cornmill Bunkhouse is situated on a traditional croft. The mill was built in the early 1800s and was active until 1920s. It is now 4* accommodation for individuals or groups.It is an historic setting; the smaller bunkroom has a patio door looking onto the workings of the old mill with its large wooden cog driving wheels. Activities can be organised for groups including laser tagging & shooting. Hen and stag parties welcome.
Situated on the shore of the Moray Firth coast in Portsoy, The Sail Loft has a stunning location. Converted from a former sail making loft, The Sail Loft is modern and well equipped. It provides self-catering accommodation for 25 in a mixture of single accessible, twin, triple and bunk rooms, with secure cycle storage, cycle wash-down facilities and an outdoor hot tub. The Sail Loft is a short easy walk from Portsoy town centre and its charming 17th century historic harbour. Groups welcome.
Enjoy the loch-side location overlooking the Caledonian Canal, with Ben Nevis & Fort William just 4 miles away. Ideal for the outdoor enthusiast with advice & guiding available for walking/climbing, river, loch and sea kayaking, open canoeing & dinghy sailing. Outdoor equipment hire available.After a day in the fresh air return to a hot shower and a comfy private bunkroom ideal for families, groups & clubs.
Chase The Wild Goose is on the Great Glen Way in the village of Banavie, near Fort William, at the end of the West Highland Way. You can be sure of a warm welcome, a comfortable bed and the company of like-minded travellers in a pleasant out-of-town environment. Whether you are on a relaxing holiday with family or friends, enjoying the adventure of a lifetime or travelling the world. Take time out in the Scottish Highlands. The scenery is breath-taking! The hospitality is second to none!
A multi-award winning 4* hostel with a range of rooms to meet all needs and budgets in the bustling village of Fort Augustus on the banks of Loch Ness. Your perfect base to explore the Loch Ness area and an ideal stop off on the Great Glen Way. Surrounded by stunning mountain scenery and set in wooded grounds the hostel boasts 24 hour self-catering facilities, excellent home-made meal options, a rustic bar, free WiFi, and ample car parking.
Within the grounds of the famous Kingshouse Hotel, this brand new bunkhouse is right on the West Highland Way with spectacular Scottish mountain scenery. The Bunkhouse has 32 beds across 10 rooms. There is ample storage. Each each bunk has a locker, reading light, power socket, linen & towels. Ideal as a stop-over for travellers or a base to explore Glencoe & beyond. There’s skiing, walking & mountain biking on the doorstep. The Way Inn café offers all day dining & packed lunches. Open from 7.30am to 9pm daily (off-peak hours vary).
Glenbeg Bunkhouse & Bothy are part of the award-winning Cairngorms Activities Centre, situated just outside Grantown-on-Spey in the Cairngorms National Park. The well-equipped bunkhouse sleeps 25 in 3 bedrooms, while the cosy bothy sleeps 6 in one bunkroom.Outdoor activities are available. Aviemore, Speyside Way, Dava Way & the River Spey are all close by.
On the tranquil shores of Little Loch Broom overlooking one of Scotland’s finest mountain ranges, Badrallach Bothy and Campsite offer a fine base for walking or relaxing. Fish in the nearby lochs or simply enjoy the flora and fauna. Hot showers, spotless accommodation, an unbelievable price and the feeling of remoteness make the Bothy and Campsite a firm favourite. There is also a holiday cottage for hire.
Located in the centre of beautiful Pitlochry, this friendly, cosy hostel is an old Victorian hotel literally bursting with character and provides dormitory and en suite private rooms. Comfy beds come with fitted sheets, duvets and 2 fluffy pillows and private rooms have fresh towels. The bright spacious lounge has comfy sofas and unlimited hot drinks. There’s free WiFi, games, musical instruments and a free pool table. A great place to meet like minded people. You won’t want to leave!
This former Highland farmhouse provides warm & friendly hostel accommodation. Ideally situated within walking distance of Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle and the Great Glen Way and Affric-Kintail Way & with pubs, restaurants & supermarket close by. Residents-only bar. Hiking tours, fishing, watersports, mountain biking can be arranged locally. Whisky & beer tasting by arrangement. Catering for groups of 10+. Pet-friendly by arrangement.
Close to the idyllic fishing village of Ullapool in a peaceful rural setting with lots of wildlife. A perfect base for climbers & walkers with 22 Munros and many other hills in the area.Next to Lael Forest Gardens which is renowned for its wildlife. The bunkhouse is ideally located for touring the North West Highlands with easy access to the areas of Torridon and up to Assynt.
The cosy and friendly Student Hotel enjoys panoramic views of the town and the mountains beyond. Your perfect place to unwind, just yards from the city’s varied night-life and a few mins’ walk from bus and train stations. Relax in the fabulous lounge with real log fire and drink as much free tea, coffee & hot chocolate as you like. Visit the beautiful ancient pine forest of Glen Affric or the Culloden Battlefield. Famous Loch Ness lies just a few miles upstream and of course has its own special wild animal.
Welcome to the homely comfort of the Knoydart Foundation Bunkhouse on the stunningly remote peninsula of Knoydart in the west coast of Scotland, reachable only by boat or a long hike.
Community run, the Bunkhouse uses hydro electricity & promotes responsible tourism. Set amid wild, remote terrain, 20 mins’ walk from pub, PO, shop & ferry at Inverie. Three mixed dorm rooms & a comfy communal lounge, kitchen and dining room, drying room and bathrooms.
The Kyle of Tongue Hostel & Campsite is a stone lodge & campsite, situated on the shores of a sea loch on the Scottish North Coast. Furnished, like a boutique hotel, but with all the friendliness of a hostel. There are comfortable private bedrooms, a relaxing cafe bar, a lounge/dining room and a well stocked shop. The campsite is fully equipped and has panoramic views of Castle Varich, Ben Hope & Ben Loyal. Holiday cottage and static caravan are also available.
Gerry’s Hostel is situated in a wilderness area on the most scenic railway in Britain. It is on the Cape Wrath Trail, The T.G.O Challenge Route and is 0.5 miles from the Coulin Pass at Craig. It sleeps up to 20 in a large dormitory & private rooms, with some heating. The beds are all made up with sheets, pillow cases and duvet covers. Meals & draught ale are 15 min drive away. Great location for walking, climbing, fishing, cycling, golfing and wildlife watching.
Perched right on the banks of Loch Ness, the Lochside Hostel has fantastic views up and down the loch and can give you direct access to the water’s edge. Why not go for a dip in Scotland’s largest water body? Take a walk to watch for wildlife? Or even hunt the elusive Nessie?The Great Glen walking route passes the front door, and the End to End cycle route is nearby. Drumnadrochit is just 12 miles away by boat.
Saddle Mountain Hostel is a friendly 5* hostel in Invergarry, between Loch Ness & Fort William, at the junction with the road to Skye. The 20 bed hostel has 5 bedrooms (4 private & 1 dormitory), a large kitchen, dining room, lounge & drying room. Perfect for Munro bagging, long distance hiking, cycling, paddling & day trips. Available for individual bookings and exclusive use. Exclusive use bookings only during winter.
Glenprosen is the most intimate of the Angus Glens on the southernmost edge of the Cairngorms National Park. Two Munros; the Mayar and Driesh link Glenprosen to the Cairngorms plateau.Prosen Hostel is also close to the upgraded East Cairngorms footpath network. Converted to the latest and greenest specification, the 4* hostel offers cosy, quality accommodation for 18. With 4 rooms, sleeping 4, 4 and 6 in bunks and a family room sleeping 4. You can also hire the nearby village hall.
The Ceilidh Place, in the centre of Ullapool, is a unique small complex, consisting of a music venue/performance space, restaurant, hotel, bar, bookshop, coffee shop, gallery and bunkhouse. There are regular ceilidhs, concerts & plays. The bunkhouse does not have self-catering facilities but coffee shop is open from 8.30am to late evening seven days a week. Rooms also available in the hotel. The village of Ullapool is a small exciting port and fishing town, with ferries from the Outer Hebrides. Hill walkers and families love staying here.
Thurso is the northern-most town on the UK mainland. The cliffs are alive with guillemots, kittiwakes, fulmars & puffins, while the sea is home to seals & porpoises. The 4* hostel has en suites in all rooms, (some have TVs). Using their own backpacking experience, the owners ensure you will enjoy a level of comfort and service second to none. Surfing, pony trekking, fishing, quad biking, coastal walks and boat trips are all available nearby. On the NC500 route.
Surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery, Fort William is a mecca for those with a spirit of adventure. You can start (or end) the West Highland Way in Fort William, hike or bike along mountain trails, go for a boat trip on the sea loch or just take it easy amidst the wonderful scenery. Even in winter Fort William stays busy with skiing, snow-boarding, mountaineering and ice-climbing. Set on a hillside above the town, with wonderful views, this cosy hostel provides all you’ll need after a day in the hills.
Perfectly situated in the heart of Oban, the gateway to the Isles, just 10 mins’ walk from the bus, train & ferry terminals, this friendly hostel is a great place to stay and unwind. The fabulous sociable lounge has a real fire, pool table, free WiFi, comfy sofas and unlimited free hot drinks. The kitchen is fully equipped, perfect for cooking your favourite meals. Large dorm beds come complete with bedding including 2 comfy pillows. The hot powerful showers are legendary! Knowledgeable and friendly staff will help you make the most of your time in Oban.
Ballater Hostel lies in the centre of Ballater, near Balmoral, on the east side of the Cairngorms National Park. Traditional dorms & private rooms, along with a large open plan kitchen/dining/communal area make a great space to relax . Excellent drying room, laundry & secure cycle storage available (with outside tap, CCTV, electrical points & bike racks). Either book the whole hostel, a room or just a bed with no minimum stay. Excellent facilities, comfortable beds and a warm and friendly welcome awaits you - the kettle is always on!
Comrie Croft is the Highland Edge retreat for hikers, families, friends & mountain bikers, just over an hour from Edinburgh & Glasgow. The eco-lodge offers beautiful en suite rooms with king-size beds, lots of wood & natural touches. Together with a barn, courtyard & wild places it is also available for sole use & weddings. On-site facilities include a field-to-fork café, bike shop & hire, lots of bike trails & farm shop. A footpath takes you to the village of Comrie & to stunning glens and mountains.
Unique, quirky comfortable compartments in a vintage railway carriage at Glenfinnan Station. At the start of the Viaduct Trail to the viewpoint for the Glenfinnan Viaduct (Harry Potter films). En-route to Skye (Mallaig ferry), Knoydart & the Small Isles. Kitchen, seating area, WC, shower & drying room. Breakfast, lunch, evening meals in walking distance.
Located between mountains and lochs 20 miles north of Fort William and 10 miles south of Loch Ness, the Great Glen Hostel is your ideal base. Perfect for touring the Highlands, bagging Munros or paddling rivers and lochs. It’s only a short walk to the Great Glen Way. The hostel provides comfortable, well appointed accommodation in twin, family and dormitory rooms and has a shop where you can buy your essentials.
By The Way Hostel & Campsite is in Loch Lomond National Park. There’s excellent walking, climbing & white water rafting in the area. The accommodation includes camping, various huts, (hobbit houses, posh pods, glamping, trekker huts & camping cabins) & a purpose built 4* hostel with twin, double & dormitory rooms & great self-catering facilities. For more comfort still there are 2 chalets; one 3-bed, the other 2-bed.
Murray Library Hostel offers cosy, welcoming accommodation in the quaint fishing village of Anstruther on the beautiful east coast of Scotland. Located in a beautifully converted historic library with all bedrooms looking out over the beach, the hostel has a mix of private double, family and dorm rooms. Book a bed, a room or have sole use of the whole place for your group of 6-20.
Set in the scenic coastal village of Helmsdale, all six rooms at the Lodge are en-suite. There is a fully equipped kitchen and comfortable lounge area with log burning stove. On the NC500 and Land’s End to John O’Groats routes, the Lodge is popular with ‘end to enders’ and walkers exploring the far north Marilyn Hills. Perfect stopover en route to Orkney. Pets welcome on request. Groups welcome.
Outstanding, new, architect-designed bunkhouse situated outside Kirriemuir, at the gateway to the Angus Glens.Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts to experience and enjoy the proximity to the Cairngorms National Park. This eco bunkhouse, with solar panels & air source heat pumps, provides top-quality accommodation for up to 24. The bunkhouse sleeps 20 in one large dorm plus there’s a self-contained flat which sleeps 4 in 2 twin/king-sized double rooms.
Reopened Summer 2024 after extensive refurbishment, the Sir Arthur Grant Outdoor Centre provides modern & comfortable accommodation for schools, clubs & other groups (max group size 34) including family & friends get-togethers. Situated in extensive grounds & woodland in rural Aberdeenshire, outdoor activities and catering can be provided if required.3 twin rooms. One has two single beds in it and the other two have a single bed and a chair bed.
An award-wining hostel in the centre of Inverness. Beautifully refurbished with a modern friendly vibe Bazpackers offers travellers & adventurers a choice of small dorms (some female only), private twin/doubles and a self catering family apartment. All linen & towels provided.Fab, kitchen, lounge and garden with BBQ, seating and stunning views.
Luxury, spacious bunkhouse in the Highland village of Drumnadrochit, just a stone's throw from Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle. The bunkhouse sleeps 44 across 9 rooms with a choice of dorms, family and twin/triple rooms. Book by the bed, the room or book the whole place. Loch Ness Inn, just across the courtyard, has hotel-style rooms, a fabulous restaurant and cosy bar.
Run by outdoor fans who have hosted walkers, cyclists and families for over 20 years, Froach Lodge is more then just a place to stay. Andy and Rebecca will help you or your group organise a fantastic activity each day. The Lodge is warm and welcoming. Accommodation is in private twin/triple rooms, there is log burner in the lounge and space for drying and storing outdoor gear. A self catering kitchen is available or you can treat yourself to Rebecca’s delicious home cooking.
Àite Cruinnichidh, 15 miles NE of Fort William, occupies sheltered spot next to Monessie Gorge where you can explore remote glens, mountain passes and lochs. Hostel has fully equipped kitchen/dining room, sitting room, excellent showers, sauna & garden. All bedding provided. Guests enjoy socialising and natural environment setting.
The Backpackers Lodge, the oldest croft house in Mallaig, offers a homely base from which to explore the Inner Hebrides, the famous white sands of Morar and the remote peninsula of Knoydart. Mallaig is a working fishing village with all the excitement of the boats landing. You can see the seals playing in the harbour and take whale and dolphin watching trips. The hostel provides excellent budget accommodation with central heating, a well equipped kitchen/common room and free WiFi. Hot water and heating provided by renewable energy.
Situated within a small hotel in the north Highlands, the bunkhouse consists of 4 rooms with a shared shower room & toilet. Guests can enjoy the hotel facilities; comfortable reception area, cosy bar with real fire, real ale and regular music sessions. Cyclists, walkers, bikers, fishermen, Munro baggers, families and individuals are all welcome. The bunkhouse is just off the North Coast 500 road route. No self-catering facilities but breakfast & evening meals are available.
Inchnadamph Explorers Lodge is a grand house tastefully converted to provide a variety of accommodation in the Scottish Highlands.Choose from private rooms, dorms, a self-catering cottage, shepherd huts and steading studio apartments.Located at the foot of Ben More Assynt, overlooking Loch Assynt, it is a great base to explore one of the wildest areas in the Highlands. On North Coast 500 classic road route.
Heart of Glencoe Holidays lies in woodland midway between Glencoe village & Clachaig Inn, with access to world-class cycling, walking, climbing & kayaking. Glencoe Ski Centre & West Highland Way are 20 mins away. The alpine bunkhouse sleeps up to 16 in 3 private rooms. There is also 1 cottage 1 4-bedroom lodge, 3 luxury caravans & 3 luxury log cabins. Fantastic drying room, WiFi & epic mountain views
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.
