Run by keen cycle tourers, this hostel has everything a cyclist might need. A secure bike shed where bike maintenance tools are available along with wash down facilities. En-suite private rooms with great rates for solo travelers. Fully equipped kitchen and comfortable communal lounge area with log burning stove. Popular with ‘end to enders’ cyclists and walkers.

1 – Ideal for cyclists – a number of routes pass the hostel door and a variety of mountain biking areas close by. The hostel has a secure bike shed where bike maintenance tools are available along with wash down facilities, to get the bike ready for the next day.

2 – Ideal for cyclists either road or off-road cycling – the property is situated on a number of recognised routes including –

• Lands’ End to John O’Groats route and has always been popular with people cycling this since the hostel opened in 1961.
• On the NC500 route halfway between Inverness and John O’Groats making it an ideal stop after a day’s cycle either at the beginning or end of people’s trip.
• On the North Sea Cycle route.
• On the new Pictish Trail – predominately off-road bikepacking trail covering 462miles through the East Coast of Scotland from the most northerly point to Edinburgh.
• Near to the Highland Wildcats Mountain Bike Trails , offering a variety of trails for all levels of mountain biking, including a mix of black/red graded tracks through to easier green trails.
• Routes connecting a number of the surrounding villages which offers the option to extend your cycle.

3 – The owner and manager are keen cycle tourers having completed a number of month-long tours all over the world and are always looking to share routes and ideas with guests for the next adventure.

Helmsdale Lodge Hostel is ideally situated to explore the North Highlands area in easy reach of many of the main sites along the now famous NC500 route – Scotland’s equivalent to Route 66. The lodge is in the picturesque coastal village of Helmsdale where a warm welcome always awaits visitors. The village is well serviced with a variety of restaurants, cafes and shops to chose from including a grocery shop, a local museum, harbour and beach within a few minutes walk from the lodge.

When visiting Helmsdale there are many activities to do from local walks of varying difficulties including Grahams and Marilyn hills nearby to less challenging scenic walks on the hills and coast. Helmsdale is also on the increasing popular John O’Groats’ trail, the lodge often hosts guests that chose Helmsdale as a base to do a number of stages of this route. Salmon fishing on the Helmsdale river along with gold panning further along the Strath of Kildonan are activities some guests love to try their luck at, with varying success, day permits are available locally. In the village there is a purpose built multi-use games facility offering a covered area for many outdoor activities including tennis, football basketball or team building activities, available for hire. Castles and archaeological sites are also popular with guests with many fascinating places within easy reach of the lodge. There are a couple of companies nearby that offer water sport activities including surfing and paddle boarding. The lodge is situated on a number of cycle routes – NC500, Lands End to John O’Groats’ and the Pictish Trail (a new bike packing route) there is a secure bike shed and wash down area. The local Timespan Museum regularly has art exhibitions and occasional evening entertainment. The museum also has a cafe overlooking the river Helmsdale an ideal place to sit and relax.
Overall Helmsdale for a small village has loads to offer visitors despite its size. Guests can easily spend a week or more exploring this wonderful area and not see all the sights. It would be a pleasure to welcome new and returning guests at Helmsdale Lodge Hostel. Currently we have some availability left for April 25 so if you are considering staying in Helmsdale please call or visit the website, we would love to welcome you and show off our beautiful village.
Book direct for best deals – www-helmsdalelodgehostel.co.uk or call Marie 07971922356 if there is anything we can assist with.