North Highlands of Scotland: Bunkhouses, bothies & hostels
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The hostels on this map of the Northern Highlands of Scotland are in the northern most counties of the Scottish mainland, Caithness, Sutherland, Ross & Cromarty and Inverness-shire. Providing self catering accommodation for those on the Lands end to John o Groats routes and for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy the wilderness and mountains. Drying rooms and cycle shed make these hostels ideal accommodation for walkers and mountaineers. Sutherland contains many splendid mountains providing some of the best mountain scenery in Scotland. There are also beautiful glens and this was once clan country, with a history of the Mackay, Rose and Sutherland Clans. A drive around the North Coast 500 road route is a great way to see this area.
Highlands of Scotland
This map shows the location of hostels in the Northern Highlands of Scotland. They are all part of Independent Hostels UK, the largest network of hostels and bunkhouses in the UK.
The Northern Highlands are a geographically vast and diverse area. From the Cairngorms National Park to the sea cliffs and Flow Country of Caithness. To the huge valley of the Great Glen to the sea lochs and islands of the West coast. And from the imposing mountains of Sutherland to the beautiful sandy beaches and surf of the North coast. All of these are linked by the common denominator of stunning scenery and some wonderful winding roads.
The NC500
The North Coast 500 route is an increasingly popular way to see the best that the area has to offer. Many others come to walk in some of Scotland’s most scenically imposing mountains, such as Foinaven, Suilven, and the hills of Torridon. Some walkthroughs on the long distance Cape Wrath Trail (which requires wild camping on some nights). Others still cycle through it on the last few days of LeJoG or the beginning of JoGLE. See the quaint village of Cromarty on the Black Isle, visit historic Dunrobin Castle, stay in the bustling port at Ullapool, or try fine dining in some of the great local restaurants in places like Applecross and Lochinver. In an area this big, there are literally too many things to see and do for us to mention here.
Hostels in Northern Scotland
The hostels in the Northern Highlands of Scotland are well equipped for those taking part in outdoor pursuits and 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. Most will generally have WiFi, drying rooms, laundry facilities, bike storage, and sometimes catered food for those who want it.