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
Alma Road, Fort William, PH33 6HB
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.
Glencoe, Argyll, PH49 4HY
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).
Lochaline, Morvern, PA80 5XT
Located in the small village of Lochaline on the remote Morvern Peninsula, Highland Basecamp is perfect for adventures on land or sea. It has 12 private en suite bunk rooms (each with one set of single bunks) along with a spacious decking area, a well equipped self catering kitchen & cosy lounge. With underfloor heating, fluffy towels & hotel quality bed linen you are sure of a comfortable stay.
Coiltie Farmhouse, East Lewiston, Drumnadrochit, Inverness, IV63 6UJ
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.
Laggan Bridge by Newtonmore, Inverness-shire, PH20 1AN. Scotland
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.
Garve, Inverness-shire, IV23 2PH
Inchbae Lodge is located in the heart of the Scottish Highlands between Inverness and Ullapool, with stunning views of surrounding mountains. Just off the North Coast 500, and close to Ben Wyvis, it makes a perfect base for exploring this beautiful area. Accommodation is provided in a small bunkhouse sleeping 8 across 2 rooms. There are also B&B rooms in the main Lodge and a self-contained flat.
1 Achluachrach, By Roy Bridge, Near Fort William, PH31 4AW
Ă€ite Cruinnichidh, 15 miles northeast of Fort William, occupies a unique sheltered spot adjacent to the Monessie Gorge where you can explore remote glens, mountain passes and lochs.The hostel has a fully equipped kitchen/dining room, sitting room, excellent showers, sauna & garden. All bedding is provided. Guests enjoy socialising and the natural environment setting.
Bunoich Brae, Fort Augustus, PH32 4DG
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.
The Loch Ness Inn, Lewiston, Drumnadrochit, Inverness-shire. IV63 6UW
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.
Glenfinnan Station, Glenfinnan, nr Fort William, PH37 4LT
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.
6 - 8 Culduthel Road, Inverness, IV2 4AB
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.
Great Glen Way, Banavie, Fort William, Inverness-shire, PH33 7LY
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!
Glencoe, Near Ballachulish, Highland, PH49 4HX
Heart of Glencoe Holidays lies in secluded woodland midway between Glencoe village and Clachaig Inn, with access to world-class cycling, walking, climbing and kayaking. Glencoe Ski Centre and West Highland Way are just 20 mins away. The alpine bunkhouse sleeps up to 16 in 3 private rooms. There is also 1 cottage with open fire, 4 luxury caravans and 3 luxury log cabins. Fantastic drying room, fast WiFi and epic mountain views.
Mandally Road, Invergarry, PH35 4HP
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.
South Laggan, Spean Bridge, Invernesshire, PH34 4EA
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.
Ben Alder Road, Dalwhinnie, Highland, PH19 1AB
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.
Alltsigh, Inverness. IV63 7YD
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.
4 Culduthel Road, Inverness. IV2 4AB
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.
Snowgoose Mountain Centre, Station Road, Corpach, Fort William, PH33 7JH
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.
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.
Loch Ness carving between the mountains of the Great Glen
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. Â 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.