Because of guests who enjoy remote holidays independent Hostels thrive in locations which would not be viable for holiday cottages or hotels. These remote hostels occupy historic buildings often with very few services, preserving shepherd’s cottages, lighthouses and farmsteads which would otherwise be left to decay.
Independent Hostels are often referred to as alternative accommodation and I like to think they attract people who does not require the ‘norm’ and are delighted by a something alternative, like the remote holidays in one of the isolated hostels in the Independent Hostel network.
Remote holidays in Independent Hostels
Because of guests who enjoy remote holidays Independent Hostels thrive in locations which would not be viable for holiday cottages or hotels. These remote hostels occupy historic buildings often with very few services, preserving shepherds’ cottages, lighthouses and farmsteads which would otherwise be left to decay. Some are only accessible by foot or boat! They provide the nearest base for forays into wilderness areas. So if you have the spirit of adventure and enjoy a walk on the wild side, read on and find out about the remote Independent Hostels of Britain.
Remote holidays at Skiddaw House in the Lake District.
When you stay at Skiddaw House you will see no sign of the 21st century in sight right to the horizon. It is a former shooting lodge and shepherds’ bothy in the Lake District. Situated at 1550 feet it is also one of the highest buildings in England. There is no mobile phone signal, which means bliss for some people, and is a reason to faint for others! The nearest road is 3.5 miles away, a good hour’s walk by path, and that means no traffic noise. I think the worst noise you can come across at Skiddaw House is the sound of snores.
Remote holidays at the Elenydd Wilderness Hostels in South Wales.
These two hostels are situated in the wild mountain moorlands of the Elenydd Valley shown on the main photo. Dolgoch Hostel is a 17th century farmhouse with gas-lighting and a large open fire for heat. You can walk over the hills from Tregaron or take the winding Abergwesyn mountain road and then an un-surfaced track. Five miles away by path over the heathy Cambrian Mountains is TYN CORNEL TYNCORNEL HOSTEL, also only accessible along un-surfaced tracks. Both these hostels were once part of the lively drovers routes used to drive the Welsh cattle over the mountain to be fattened up on the lush grassland of the borders. Why not follow the ancient routes in the drovers footsteps?
Remote Holidays at LOW GILLERTHWAITE FIELD CENTRE in the South Lakes.
Set in the heart of beautiful Ennerdale, England’s remotest, quietest and least inhabited valley, Low Gillerthwaite is a traditional Lakeland 17th century farm with outbuildings. Access is by a forestry track which flanks Ennerdale Water, leaving the nearest public road about 2 miles away. It is an ideal place to explore the ‘Wild Ennerdale’ project, which is allowing natural forces to shape the landscape and ecology. From the hostel you can walk through the forest, by the lake and climb Pillar mountain. There’s a convivial communal kitchen, and you can spend the evening chatting round a log wood fire.
Remote Holidays in Shetland
On Shetland mainland and Islands off the shore of Sheltand some of these basic barns are about as remote as they get In great location to watch wildlife unaffected by mankind and in the long nights of autumn and winter you may see the Northern Lights ( Aurora Borealis )
Remote Holidays in the Hebrides and the Orkneys & Shetland
The Scottish Islands could not be more remote locations to spend a holiday. Whilst you can cross the bridge to Skye the more remote islands can be accessed by ferry. Lewis and Harris are well appointed with hostels or why not visit Coll, Tiree and Eigg all have independent hostel accommodation as do Mull, Colonsay, Iona and Arran. Take a trip further North and Both the Orkney and Shetland Islands provide incredible opportunities to stay in the most stunning and remote of location. Located on Unst the most northerly of the Shetland islands Gardiesfauld Hostel is our most northerly hostel and is perhaps the ultimate in remote holiday locations. Its remoteness doesn’t affect the comfort of it’s beds though! Orkney is well provides with hostels making it especially good for a remote touring holiday by bike or car.