Experience Helmsdale, a fishing village on the NC500. Discover pristine beaches, delve into local history at the harbour museum, and unwind at Helmsdale Lodge. On the Lands End to John O’Groats route, midway between Inverness and John O’Groats, Helmsdale Lodge is your ideal base for exploring. From here, you can easily visit local distilleries, majestic castles, and fascinating archaeological sites. For the adventurous, enjoy challenging and scenic walking routes or take part in watersport activities. The friendly manager at Helmsdale Lodge has a vast knowledge of the area and will be delighted to help you uncover the hidden delights of this magnificent coastline.

We still have some availability for the summer season but the diary is filling up fast. If you are considering visiting this area please contact us direct for the best deal – Helmsdale Lodge Hostel – [email protected] or call we are always happy to chat with anyone who is considering visiting the area 07971922356
Hopefully see you all soon.

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.