Scottish Borders, Glasgow & Edinburgh: Hostels, bunkhouses, bothies

Kirk Yetholm Friends of Nature House

Kirk Yetholm Friends of Nature House is perfectly located at the start/end of the Pennine Way. It is also close to St. Cuthbert’s Way, the Borderloop Cycle Route and Sustrans Route 84. It’s a great base too for local day hikes, ideal for individuals, families and small groups. Recently upgraded, the house offers a comfortable, friendly and peaceful retreat. Evening meals and breakfast are available in the adjacent hotel.

Carlisle City Hostel

Carlisle’s only independent hostel. Located on picturesque Abbey Street, the building is an old Georgian terrace accommodating up to 20 guests. There is a communal kitchen, lounge with TV, DVDs and book swap and a dining room. Free tea, coffee and WiFi in communal areas. Prices include basic breakfast. A great place from which to explore Carlisle, The Tuille House MuseumThe Eden Valley, Hadrien’s Wall and more The staff look forward to welcoming you as their guest to hostel and the city.

Wee Row Hostel

Located in the heart of New Lanark World Heritage Site and just one hour’s drive from either Glasgow or Edinburgh ‘Wee Row’ is the perfect base for your holiday. The award winning New Lanark Visitor Centre is on the doorstep; step back in time and rediscover life in this working mill village. The hostel sleeps 62 in 18 private rooms (all en suite) and has terrific views over the River Clyde and surrounding countryside. Facilities include bike storage, laundry and drying room. Cooked breakfasts and evening meals are available.

Haggis Hostels

In a recently renovated Georgian building, Haggis Hostels lies in the heart of Edinburgh just 50m from Princes Street. This friendly hostel offers self-catering facilities and fully equipped rooms including international sockets and adjustable heating. The communal kitchen is high spec and features two of every appliance, ideal for groups of up to 34. Enjoy free breakfast, luxury bedding/towels, a laundry service and secure storage.

High Street Hostel

The High Street Hostel has become a hugely popular destination for world travellers since opening in 1985 and is one of Europe’s best regarded and most atmospheric hostels. Located just off the historic Royal Mile in a 400 year old building, it is your perfect base for exploring all the city’s many attractions – and of course its wonderful nightlife. Providing excellence in location, ambience and facilities, the hostel is highly recommended by more than ten of the world’s top backpacker travel guides. Come along and see for yourself!

Bluebell Farm Bunkbarn

Bluebell Farm Bunkbarn is in the centre of Belford, within walking distance of shops and pubs. It is ideally located for exploring Nothumberland’s Heritage Coast, the Cheviot Hills and the Scottish Borders. The Bunkbarn sleeps 14, the Studio 4, the Ark 4, plus 5 self-catering cottages. There is a shared modern toilet block. Pillows & blankets provided.

Greenhead Hostel

Situated in the village of Greenhead on Hadrian’s Wall, the hostel is ideal for walking the Pennine Way or The Wall or for exploring the nearby Roman heritage sites. It boasts a newly refurbished self-catering kitchen (big enough for large groups). The flexible accommodation can be booked by the bed, the room or for sole use. The hostel is run by Greenhead Hotel (over the road).

Marthrown of Mabie Bunkhouse

Marthrown is set in the heart of Mabie Forest, 6 miles south of Dumfries. It has a sauna, a wood burning spring water hot tub, a large BBQ, garden areas, a challenge course and plenty of room for groups. There are a variety of mountain bike routes and the 7Stanes mountain bike trails are nearby. Catered meals available for groups. As well as the bunkhouse, there are also Mongolian yurts and American style tipis. And the jewel in the crown is the iron age roundhouse for parties or weddings.

Chatton Park Bunkhouse

A former smithy converted into a self-catering bunkhouse on a mixed working farm, 1/2 mile from Chatton. 8 miles from Northumberland’s vast empty beaches and historic castles and 5 miles from the heather clad Cheviot Hills, Walking, water sports, climbing, fishing, golf and cycling are all nearby. The 2 dorms can be rented separately. There is a fully equipped kitchen & seating around the original blacksmith’s fire + hot showers.

Gibbs Hill Farm Hostel

Gibbs Hill Farm Hostel is on a working hill farm near Once Brewed on Hadrian’s Wall and close to the Pennine Way. Designed to reduce energy consumption it is centrally heated throughout. Comprising 3 bunkrooms, 2 shower rooms, 2 toilets, a well equipped kitchen, a comfortable communal area and a large deck where you can enjoy the evening sun. Ideal for families who can book a whole room with private facilities. Study groups welcome.

Royal Mile Backpackers

Royal Mile Backpackers is a small and lively hostel with its own special character! Perfectly located on the Royal Mile, the most famous street in Edinburgh, Royal Mile Backpackers is the ideal place to stay for the independent traveller. Our comfortable beds and cosy common areas will make you feel at home and our friendly staff are always on hand to help you make the most of your time in Edinburgh.

Whithaugh Park

Whithaugh Park, with 30 alpine lodges, provides accommodation for groups of 4 to 192, with smaller family-style lodges or ‘clusters’ for groups of 10 to 65. Each cluster has its own kitchen, dining area and meeting room. Self-cater or take a catered package. On-site is a 20m swimming pool, sports fields/hall and low ropes course. Instruction in canoeing, climbing, archery and more. Newcastleton is close by for shops, cafés and pubs. The 7stanes mountain bike trails pass through the village.

Cleikum Mill Lodge

Cleikum Mill Lodge is a renovated characterful building in the heart of the Tweed Valley. The Mill sleeps 12: 8 on the ground floor, the Lower Mill and 4 on the first floor, the Upper Mill. Book individual rooms, a floor or the whole Mill. Innerleithen is a 7Stanes trail centre, is on the NCR1 and Southern Upland Way. It has a shop, pubs and cafés.

Castle Rock Hostel

In a wonderful location, facing south with a sunny aspect and panoramic views over the city, Castle Rock Hostel is just steps away from the city centre with the historic Royal Mile, the busy pubs and late-late nightlife of the Grassmarket and Cowgate. Then of course there is the famous Edinburgh Castle. Most of the rooms have no traffic noise and there are loads of great facilities, 24 hour reception and no curfew. With its beautiful and dramatic skyline Edinburgh is truly one of the world’s great cities.

Tartan Lodge

Within walking distance of Glasgow City Centre, Tartan Lodge, offers contemporary elegance with a smattering of old world charm. Set within a former 19th century church and Masonic Lodge you will find affordable accommodation for budget and business travellers with a selection of double and twin en suite bedrooms and shared dormitories with family facilities. Towels can be hired.

Euro Hostel Glasgow

Your smarter alternative to a hotel in the city, just five mins’ walk from Central Station, with friendly staff, lively bar and clean comfortable private and shared en suite rooms. Perfect for clubbing, shopping and discovering the city’s cultural heritage and live music scene. Or for visiting family, coast to coast cycle rides, attending sporting events or just a good sleep to break a long journey. The VIP suites are ideal for groups.

Hillside Farm Bunkbarn

A Georgian farmstead, still a working farm, right on Hadrian’s Wall National Trail and Cycleway near the Solway Coast AONB. Stunning views over the Solway Firth marshes towards Scotland. Bunkbarn or B&B rooms available. The bunkbarn, in a converted stable block, has cooking facilities & hot showers. Towels and sleeping bags can be hired. Communal, but not sleeping, areas are heated. Breakfast or bacon sandwiches available with notice. Walking, cycling and family groups are most welcome.

Demesne Farm Bunkhouse

This newly converted bunkhouse is on a working hill farm in the centre of Bellingham in the Northumberland National Park. Situated on the Pennine Way, Route 68, and the Reivers & Sandstone Way cycle routes, it is an ideal base for exploring Northumberland, Hadrian’s Wall, Kielder Water and many climbing crags. The bunkhouse is very well appointed with quality bunks, a well equipped kitchen and a large comfortable communal area.

Wooler Youth Hostel

Wooler Youth Hostel & Shepherd’s Huts are on the edge of the town and offer an ideal base for exploring the Northumberland National Park, the Cheviot Hills, local castles and fine sandy beaches. For walkers there’s St Cuthbert’s Way and for cyclists, Wooler cycle hub routes, Pennine Cycleway and the Sandstone Way. There are bridleways perfect for mountain-biking, some of the best bouldering in the UK.

Slack House Farm

Slack House Farm is an organic dairy farm overlooking Birdoswald Roman Fort on Hadrian’s Wall. It is on the NCN 72 cycle route and is only 0.5km from the Hadrian’s Wall National Trail. The bunkbarn is next to The Scypen café and farm shop (Birdoswald cheese is made on-site). The bunkbarn is warm and cosy and has basic self-catering facilities. Cooked breakfasts, farmhouse suppers and packed lunches can be provided.

Mounthooly Bunkhouse

Nestled at the head of the stunningly beautiful College Valley in North Northumberland, Mounthooly Bunkhouse is a perfect stop off on both the Pennine and St Cuthbert’s Way walks. College Valley is a private estate run by the Knott Trust to increase its value as an environmental, social and economic place of excellence. The Bunkhouse was refurbished in 2008 and sleeps 24 in 2 dorms, a 2 bed room and an en suite family annex which sleeps 4.

Castle Creavie Hay Barn Hostel

Castle Creavie Haybarn is a comfortable family friendly hostel sleeping 4. Set on a working farm it is surrounded by spectacular Galloway countryside. Hugely spacious open plan design with oak floors, comfy beds, dining area, wood burning stove, separate kitchen with basic cooking facilities, washroom and W.C. Also available on site are: hot showers, washing/drying facilities, bike wash and store. Breakfast and farm produce available. The ideal base for walkers and cyclists with 7Stanes and NCN Route 7 close by.

Spruce Cottage Bunkhouse By Forest View

A former forestry worker’s cottage in the centre of Byrness on the Pennine way and on the edge of Northumberland National Park. Ideal for exploring Northumberland, Kielder Forest and the Scottish Borders. It is perfect for groups, individuals and families accomoodated in full sized single beds (not bunks) plus a Z bed Both the large living and dining (seats 10) rooms have open fires. The kitchen is well equipped. The multi award winning Forest View Inn is opposite with real ale & food if booked in advance.

Euro Hostel Edinburgh Halls

Euro Hostel Edinburgh Halls is the perfect place to base your summer visit to Edinburgh. Available from 9th June to 3rd Sept. you can have an apartment to yourself or share with others for a great budget stay. Located in the heart of the Old Town close to the Royal Mile, Euro Hostel Edinburgh Halls is perfect for backpackers, shoppers, groups or those visiting the famous Edinburgh Festival. Single, twin, double and triple private bedrooms are available or you can rent a whole apartment for up to 10.

Well Road Centre Group Accommodation

The Well Road Centre sits in its own grounds in the charming town of Moffat. It is ideal for all types of groups, conferences, residential workshops, sports events and outdoor activity clubs. The Centre has two spacious meeting rooms, a large bright self-catering kitchen fully equipped for 65, a games hall for indoor activities, a table tennis room and a snooker room. Bring your own sleeping bags or duvets. Ample parking for cars, minibuses and equipment trailers.

Springhill Bunkhouse

Springhill’s Lookout & Wigwams offer great value, comfortable accommodation which can be booked as a whole or on a per bed/night basis. Ideal for groups, families and independent travellers. Superbly located on the Northumberland heritage coastline there are stunning views towards the Farne Islands and Cheviot Hills while Seahouses and Bamburgh are within very easy reach.

Tarset Tor Bunkhouse and Bothies

In the heart of the Northumberland International Dark Sky Parka and close to the Pennine Way. The timber eco-buildings integrate into their natural surroundings making the most of this remarkable location and providing the perfect base for outdoor adventures. The bunkhouse and bothies are stylish and modern providing comfortable self catering accommodation.

Blythswood House

In the heart of Glasgow city centre. Blythswood house is the perfect base from which to explore everything the city has to offer. The single rooms are grouped in flats of 2,6,7,or 8 so perfect for individuals or groups wanting to visit Glasgow in the summer. All rooms are en suite and each flat has self-catering facilities. Easily accessible from the city’s train and bus stations Blythswood House welcomes walkers and cyclists.