Use the map to explore the amazing hostels and bunkhouses you could stay at while cycling from Lands’ End to John O’ Groats.
Scroll to the bottom of the page to learn about a couple of suggested cycling routes you could take from Lands’ End to John O’Groats (LEJOG) or vice versa (JOGLE)!
Why stay in an Independent Hostel or Bunkhouse? Where do we even begin? How about with a taster of what can be provided for you at a hostel? And a little insight into why hostels are perfectly suited to hosting cyclists who are travelling from Land’s End to John O’Groats.
Bedding is provided The vast majority of our hostels provide bedding. This means you can greatly reduce how much you are carrying. As a cyclist, reducing kit is vital for conserving energy and saving time!
Marthrown of Mabie accommodation in the Mabie Forest, Dumfries on the Lands Ends to John O Groats cycle routeMeals are provided Many of the hostels on the Land’s End to John O’Groats route provide evening meals or have a pub or restaurant within walking distance . Embarking on an evening stroll may be a welcome respite from cycling all day!
Increasingly, hostels in the Independent Hostels network provide breakfast – where breakfast is not provided, most are in a town or village where provisions can be found easily.
Such is the nature of hostels, there will always be a self-catering kitchen on hand so you can cook up anything you desire. Though after a tiring day of cycling, perhaps a coffee and a cup-a-soup will suffice!
A full list of our hostels on the Lands End to John O Groats cycle route that provide breakfast can be found here The accommodation that accepts individuals Many hostels accept individuals, which means you can pay for a bed for just yourself without having to hire out an entire holiday home. This is much more cost-efficient. Also, you may meet interesting people who are embarking on their own long-distance adventures.
Cyclists meeting up at Wayfarers Independent Hostel on the Lands End to John O Groats cycle route One night only Independent Hostel accommodation is a great choice for a stop-over on the Lands End to John O’Groats cycle route as they generally allow individuals to stay for one night only. This is ideal for when you are completing Land’s End to John O’Groats within a short time frame.
Beds in The Bristol Wingon the Lands End to John O’Groats cycle route Bike Storage The people who run Independent Hostels around the UK understand what it takes to undergo a huge accomplishment such as riding from Land’s End to John O’Groats. That’s why your bike’s safety is their priority. In all but a handful of hostels, there is a covered space for bikes. In many of the hostels, the bike storage is secure. This means your bike can sleep as safely as you do.
Secure bike storage at Alston Youth Hostel on the Lands End to John O’Groats cycle route Land's End to John O'Groats Cycle Route (LEJOG)
A lovely hostel just half a mile from the start/finish line of the Lands End to John O'Groats cycle route and from NCN 3. Great accommodation at a great price will make for a great start/end to your adventure.
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Edens Yard takes inspiration from the Camino; even the most self-sufficient traveller needs a recharge and TLC.Need a basecamp for your Cornish adventure? No problem: we are a short leafy lane from the Eden Project and buses that will take you to St Austell’s onward travel hub.Head out with friends, chill out with family. Come find our hostel in the strange landscape and clay trails of mid Cornwall.
The hostel’s accommodation is in a beautifully converted stone stable, with solar-heated showers, a fully equipped kitchen and a secure bike shed. The perfect stop on the Lands End to John O'Groats cycle route
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The Bristol Wing provides unique accommodation for independent travellers, groups and tourists.This iconic former police headquarters provides chic accommodation in the heart of Bristol.A mix of private, en suite and dorm rooms with communal spaces and cafe.Close to the bus station, and perfectly located for Bristol’s best attractions and shopping from big names to quirky markets.
Situated in the centre of Chepstow, Greenman Backpackers is perfect for the start/finish of Offa's Dyke. For cyclists it is just 1/2 mile from A466 after the old Severn Bridge crossing on the LEJOG cycle route.
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This bunkhouse on a working farm has a fully equipped self-catering kitchen, dining room and lounge. Enjoy the quiet rural location on the covered decking, patio (with BBQ) and lawn. The nearby Wye Forest is one of the largest remaining ancient forests in England. On the Worcestershire Way and close to the Severn Way and Mercian Way (NCN route 45) at Bewdley (1 mile). The West Midland Safari Park and Severn Valley Railway are also very close.
All Stretton Bunkhouse offers comfortable, cosy, self-catering accommodation for groups of up to 10. It has easy access to the Long Mynd with walks & bike rides for all levels. The busy town of Church Stretton is a short drive & it’s just 10 mins’ walk to the local pub. There’s a well equipped kitchen, a shower, two toilets & a tumble dryer. Dogs welcome with sole use.
CLOSING OCTOBER 2023 FOR REFURBISHMENT. RE-OPENING AUTUMN 2024Roaches Bunkhouse is at the foot of The Roaches gritstone edge in the Peak District, amidst some of the best climbing in the country, plus walks & cycling in stunning scenery.Close to Ye Old Rock Inn & 3 miles from the historic market town of Leek. Excellent self-catering bunkhouse accommodation with private rooms.
Sheen Bunkhouse is in a quiet corner of the Peak District, close to the beautiful Dove and Manifold valleys. It has a well equipped self-catering kitchen, lounge, two bunkrooms and separate toilets & showers.The Manifold Track, Tissington Trail and High Peak Trail give easy access to beautiful countryside, ideal for families and cyclists. Dovedale and the moors offer stunning walking. Buxton, Leek and Bakewell are within 12 miles and Alton Towers is 20 minutes away by car.
Bunkhouse accommodation for groups of up to 32 in a 17th-century stone farmhouse high above the Calder Valley. Facilities include a well-appointed kitchen, large communal lounge & indoor barn for activities. Outside you’ll find a BBQ, fire pit, campfire area, a field for games or overflow camping & parking for 8 cars. BYO bedding & towels.
The recently refurbished Hebden Bridge Hostel, run by national arts organisation IOU, offers contemporary, comfortable & affordable accommodation at the heart of this vibrant independent town.Exclusive use, dorms and private rooms are available, all with en suite facilities. Perfect for solo travellers, families or groups. Everyone is welcome.
A friendly welcome awaits at Airton Barn. Next to the 17th century Friends Meeting House, Airton Barn offers simple bunkhouse accommodation for up to 12 people & storage for 5 bikes. Near popular walking & cycling routes & some of Yorkshire’s finest tourist destinations,Perfect for walkers, cyclists & small groups & for basic family holiday accommodation.
Simple, comfortable accommodation in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Hornby Laith Bunkhouse Barn occupies a secluded position within easy walking distance of the pretty village of Stainforth and the market town of Settle. Sleeping up to 5O, there is an indoor recreational area, extra camping, ample parking and space for a marquee. There’s a self-catering kitchen and full catering can be organised by arrangement.
Situated in Horton in Ribblesdale, the 3 Peaks Bunkbarns are perfect for walking on the Pennine Way and the 3 Peaks.The main barn has 4 rooms each sleeping up to 8. The second barn has 4 rooms each sleeping up to 6, with en-suite shower rooms. Both have a kitchen/dining room.
Hawks Barn offers luxury accommodation for up to 6 people on the edge of Horton-in-Ribblesdale in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. With easy access to an astounding number of walking, cycling and mountain biking routes, be sure to book well in advance. The Dales Way, The Dales Highway, The Pennine Way, The Pennine Journey and The Pennine Bridleway all pass close by. Base yourself at the barn to do the Yorkshire Three Peaks or plan to stop-over while you follow The Great North Trail or the Land's End to John o'Groats walking and cycling routes. With fully made-up beds, a drying room, a secure bike shed and the option of being catered for...it really is the perfect place for adventurers to stay.
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Dales Lodge offers luxury hostel style accommodation on the outskirts of Ingleton in the Yorkshire Dales. Oozing quality with a Swiss chalet feel, the Lodge sleeps 28 across 6 rooms. With underfloor heating throughout. A small meeting room with climbing wall, whiteboard and TV is available to hire and outdoor activities can be organised. Book a bed, a room or the whole place. It’s perfect for a family holiday, a weekend away or a gathering of friends.
On the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, surrounded by magnificent countryside with caves, waterfalls and mountains, Ingleton is dominated by Ingleborough, the best known of Yorkshire’s Three Peaks (this is a great base for The Challenge). Known for its walking routes and waterfall trail, the area has plenty for walkers, climbers, mountain bikers and cavers. Licensed and serving tasty meals there is also a self-catering kitchen. Perfect for families and school trips.
Tucked away in the top left hand corner of Lancashire is Yealand Old School is an ideal stop for Cyclists on LeJog route. Yealand isn't in the Yorkshire Dales, nor is it in the Lake District but from it you can see both.
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Broadrake Bunkbarn offers direct access to the Three Peaks Challenge Walk which can be started from the door. It is an ideal stopover on the Pennine Journey or Dales High Way. This popular accommodation for 20 has an upstairs open-plan living space with excellent self-catering & communal facilities. Perfect for extended family reunions, cyclists, cavers and dark sky enthusiasts. Individuals, couples and small groups welcome mid-week.
Kendal Hostel is situated close to Kendal’s town centre. It is available for exclusive hire only and provides comfortable and affordable accommodation for groups of outdoor enthusiasts, friends, and family.Kendal Hostel provides your group with 40 beds in eleven bedrooms, well-equipped self-catering facilities, a large comfy lounge with log burner, secure bike storage, and a drying room. At the gateway to the Lake District National Park, close to the Dales Way and LEJOG.
Between Grange Over Sands and Kendal on the northern shore of Morecambe Bay, within the beautiful Whitbarrow Nature Reserve in the southern Lake District. Built for cyclists and walkers with drying room, laundry, kitchen, diner, lounges, cycle storage, workshop and bike wash. Perfect for groups, families and individuals. Just 500m from the Morecambe Bay Cycle Way, the Lakes & Dales Loop and NCN 700 & 70.
Derwentwater Independent Hostel is a stunning Georgian mansion, standing in its own spacious grounds between the Falls & the Lake, with stunning mountain views. Just 2 miles from Keswick, close to the Coast to Coast route and the delights of Borrowdale, it makes a great base for individuals, families, and groups of all types. Book a bed, a room, a camping pod or take over the hostel.
When planning your LEJOG or JOGLE route make sure to include a stopover at Wayfarers Hostel in Penrith. Tucked away on a quiet square, yet just 5 mins' walk to the centre of this quaint market town, Wayfarers is geared up for Lejogers. There's a drying room, secure indoor bike storage, bike cleaning and bike maintenance facilities. The beds are fully made up and towels can be hired. The modern, warm, rooms are all ensuite. Shop in town and cook in the well equipped kitchen or treat yourselves to a take out or a pub meal. After a night you'll be rested and ready for the next leg of your journey.
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Alston Youth Hostel is within the historic town of Alston nestled in the North Pennines on the eastern side of Cumbria.
Situated directly on the Pennine Way and Isaac’s Tea Trail and also about halfway on the very popular Coast to Coast (C2C) cycle route with great indoor cycle storage. The perfect stop-over for walkers and cyclists. You’ll receive a warm welcome, Exclusive hire also available!
Marthrown is set in the heart of Mabie Forest, 6 miles south of Dumfries. It has a sauna, a wood burning spring water hot tub, a large BBQ, garden areas, a challenge course and plenty of room for groups. There are a variety of mountain bike routes including the 7Stanes mountain bike trails nearby. Catered meals available for groups. As well as the bunkhouse, there are also Mongolian yurts, a Bell tent and the jewel in the crown is the Iron Age Roundhouse for parties or weddings
The Well Road Centre sits in its own grounds in the charming town of Moffat. It is ideal for all types of groups, family get togethers, conferences, residential workshops, sports and outdoor activity clubs. The Centre has two spacious meeting rooms, a large bright self-catering kitchen, dining room fully equipped for 65, games hall for indoor activities and table tennis room. Bring your own sleeping bags or linens for single duvets. Ample parking & storage.
This friendly family run hostel has been designed with comfort and the outdoor enthusiast in mind. Situated on the edge of the pretty town of Moffat, the hostel sleeps up to 18 in a selection of en-suite quad, twin & double rooms. It has bike/kayak storage, bike wash area, drying room and all bedding is provided. A perfect stopover on the Lejog cycle route & the Southern Upland Way. Book a bed, a room or the whole place.
Cleikum Mill Lodge, in the heart of the Tweed Valley, sleeps 10 in two apartments (12 until Jan 2024). Book a room, an apartment or the whole Mill. Innerleithen, a 7Stanes trail centre, is on the NCR1 & Southern Upland Way. Shops, pubs & cafés a short stroll away. Dog friendly with sole use. Local breakfast by arrangement.
Kailzie BIG Lodge, offers state-of-the-art bunkhouse accommodation. Situated in the heart of the Tweed Valley, just outside the vibrant town of Peebles and within easy access of Edinburgh & Glasgow. It is perfect for an adventurous escape. Sleeping 27 across 6 lovely rooms each with a dedicated bathroom. Book by the room or book sole use of the whole lodge for outdoor groups and extended family and friends get-togethers. Close to famous Mountain bike areas of Glentress and Innerleithen.
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.
We'd done 105 miles that day and Ruthie was a breath of fresh air. I would recommend to anyone a stay at Pitclochry Backpackers.
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Dalwhinnie Old School Hostel is in the former village primary school, set in an acre of ground. Directly opposite the train station, it’s a perfect base to climb the many Munros in the area, as a stop over on the N7 cycle route, for mountain biking at nearby Laggan Wolftrax, or simply as a beautiful overnight stop when visiting Skye or the NC 500.Situated in the Cairngorms National Park it is across the field from the famous Dalwhinnie Distillery.
This beautifully maintained village hall offers it’s main hall for low cost accommodation for up to 25. BYO sleeping mat and bedding. There’s a well equipped kitchen, showers/WCs, games rooms & free Wi-Fi.Situated in the sleepy village of Laggan, it is ideal for mountain biking (Laggan Wolftrax mountain bike centre is down the road), walking, mountaineering, wildlife and much more. On the Scottish National Trail and close to the Great North Trail and the LEJOG cycle route.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This former Highland farmhouse provides warm & friendly hostel accommodation. Ideally situated within walking distance of Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle and the Great Glen 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Enjoy our 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.
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.
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.
Last stop if you are cycling the route, if you are walking from Lands End to John O Groats, it will be a couple of nights before the end of the route. The hostel offers spacious en suite accommodation to walkers and cyclists, including fully equipped kitchen and comfortable lounge area with log burning stove.
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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.
Situated in a beautiful secluded valley in the NY Moors National Park, this refurbished mill with en suite rooms, is perfect for those wishing to explore the Yorkshire moors, dales & coast. You can book the whole Mill, a room or a bed. Great for educational groups, families, outdoor clubs and gatherings of friends. Group activities and catering available. Next to Cod Beck reservoir, Cleveland Way, Coast to Coast & Lyke Wake Walk.
For a fun filled, seaside break Scarborough is unbeatable: enjoy two safe, sandy beaches, penny arcades, pirate ship, three surf schools and the Alpamare Waterpark. Once a 17th century water mill on a quiet riverside just outside the town, Scarborough Youth Hostel is also a perfect base for exploring the coast and country of the North York Moors and Wolds with miles of paths, tracks and quiet lanes for walkers and cyclists.
In secluded, ancient woodland on the eastern edge of Dartmoor, Blytheswood offers two cosy & peaceful self-catering spaces. The Nest sleeps two in a double bed & The Cabin sleeps two in a double bed + 1 child (2 at a squeeze) for two+ nights. Walk straight from the door to Heltor & Blackingstone Rock or along the River Teign valley to Fingle Bridge & Castle Drogo. Cross stepping stones to Dunsford village. Near Moretonhampstead & Exeter, 30 minutes from beaches & the open moor.
Nestled in the peace of the Ennerdale Valley, overlooking Ennerdale Water.
The Wild Wool Barn provides luxury bunkhouse accommodation for 6 (plus 6 camping). Traditional wood-burning stove, electric heating, cooker and shower marry tradition with luxury. With no mobile signal or WiFi The Wild Wool Barn is a true chance to get away and explore the rarely visited Western Lakes. Perfect for camping at Ennerdale Bridge
In the heart of historic Hull this hostel is aimed at the individual traveller, groups, cyclists and families. Perfect for visiting Hull’s museums & attractions, such as The Deep, Marina, theatres and Bonus Arena. Sport fans friendly too. Family en-suite, singles and dorms. Self-catering kitchenettte and coffee lounge. Ideal for visiting Yorkshire Coast, historic Beverley and York. Daily ferries to the Netherlands put Europe on the doorstep.
Between Grange Over Sands and Kendal on the northern shore of Morecambe Bay, within the beautiful Whitbarrow Nature Reserve in the southern Lake District. Built for cyclists and walkers with drying room, laundry, kitchen, diner, lounges, cycle storage, workshop and bike wash. Perfect for groups, families and individuals. Just 500m from the Morecambe Bay Cycle Way, the Lakes & Dales Loop and NCN 700 & 70.
3 quirky Czech wagons have been transformed into large, sturdy glamping units, each with a king-sized bed. Separate wagons provide a kitchen and shower/WC’s.
Everything is off-grid and solar powered. Situated on a working regenerative farm down a long (and bumpy) track in rural east Cumbria. 25 miles N/W of Penrith and 9 miles W of Alston. Surrounded by stunning scenery, rolling farmland (through which you are welcome to walk) and a host of bird and insect life this is a real rural escape.
Lands End to John O’Groats cycle route There is no set cycling route between Lands End and John O’Groats (LEJOG) or indeed, John O’Groats to Lands End (JOGLE). However, to make planning your journey a bit easier, we have created two routes that take either 14 days or 9 days. The amazing thing about these routes is each step of the journey is connected by Independent Hostels. We have also added an East coast and a West coast alternative just to get you inspired!
Land’s End To John O’ Groats 14 day Cycle Route Land’s End to John O’ Groats 9 day cycle route If you choose the longer NCN 1 route between Inverness and John O’ Groats there are options to break your journey at Bunkhouse @ Invershin (56 miles), Kyle Of Tongue Hostel (103 miles) or Sandra’s Hostel (143 miles).
Lands End to John O Groats East Coast alternative Lands End to John O’Groats West Coast Alternative This route was kindly devised by Pam Richmond of Argyll Backpackers and includes island hopping
Thurso to John O Groats either 20 or 25 miles (via NCN 1 or NCN 1 + B876 (then return to Thurso)
