Loch Ness, Fort William, Inverness, The Great Glen: Bunkhouses, Bothies & Hostels
This map shows the locations of Independent Hostels along the Great Glen, around Fort William, Inverness and the infamous Loch Ness. The hostels are also well equipped for adventurous holidays, walkers, climbers and outdoor enthusiasts. Can you think of a better place to go exploring than by the Loch Ness? Staying on the banks of Lochness listening to tales of Nessie, the legendary Loch Ness Monster! Hostels in Inverness are great for city breaks: exploring the beautiful castles, cathedrals, and art galleries, or just experiencing the thrill of the city itself and their low cost won’t put a big toll on your holiday expenses.
Hostels along the Great Glen
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.