Hostels and bunkhouses providing self catering accommodation in the Lowlands of South Scotland including the Scottish Borders, Dumfries and Galloway, Ayrshire, the Southern Uplands and also the cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh. There is a choice of hostels in Edinburgh and Glasgow, all offering fun in city centre locations. These backpackers hostels provide events to get to know other guests including pub crawls, games nights and city tours. Within the Scottish borders there are historic towns, unruffled by the masses, great for enjoying the local history, peaceful walking and fishing.
Scottish Borders, Glasgow & Edinburgh
A Georgian working farm, right on Hadrian’s Wall National Trail & Cycleway near the Solway Coast AONB. Stunning views over the Solway Firth marshes towards Scotland. Bunkbarn or B&B rooms available.The bunkbarn has cooking facilities & hot showers and is heated with a bio mass boiler. Breakfast or bacon sandwiches available with notice. The barn is available to walkers, cyclists and peaceful family groups.
The historic town of Inveraray, on the western shore of Loch Fyne, is a superb location for exploring Scotland’s Southern Highlands and Islands. Inverarary Hostel is perfect for independent holidaymakers who enjoy socialising.The hostel offers simple, comfortable accommodation in private rooms, an excellent self-catering kitchen, communal dining area and a cosy wee lounge.
Set on the banks of Loch Lomond on the West Highland Way, Balmaha Bunkhouse offers quality assured accommodation for up to 10 at an affordable price, with bedding, WiFi and a self service simple breakfast provided.The bunkhouse is ideal for walkers and outdoor enthusiasts, family get-togethers, corporate away-days, meetings, conferences or as a base to explore the wider area. Welcome to the romantic, adventurous and beautiful experience of Loch Lomond.
This friendly family run hostel has been designed with comfort and the outdoor enthusiast in mind. Situated on the edge of the pretty town of Moffat, the hostel sleeps up to 18 in a selection of en-suite quad, twin & double rooms. It has bike/kayak storage, bike wash area, drying room and all bedding is provided. A perfect stopover on the Lejog cycle route & the Southern Upland Way. Book a bed, a room or the whole place.
A former smithy converted into a self-catering bunkhouse on a mixed working farm 1/2 mile from Chatton. Eight miles from Northumberland’s vast empty beaches and historic castles and five miles from the heather clad Cheviot Hills.Walking, water sports, climbing, fishing, golf and cycling are all nearby. Fully equipped kitchen, seating around the original blacksmith’s fire & hot showers.
The High Street Hostel is one of Europe’s best regarded and most atmospheric hostels. It is hugely popular with world travellers. Located just off the historic Royal Mile in a 470 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!
Nestled in the beautiful College Valley, North Northumberland, Mounthooly Bunkhouse is a perfect stop-off on the Pennine Way and St Cuthbert’s Way. Dogs are welcome by arrangement. There is a well equipped kitchen and living area with log burner. Bedding, WiFi and car permit (to access this private valley) are provided. A haven for wildlife with red squirrels, otters and a thriving population of feral goats in the valley. The perfect wild get away from it all.
Wooler 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 and lots of bouldering and climbing.
Opened in 2022, community-run bunkhouse in Scottish Borders, sleeps up to 14 in 3 en-suite rooms with 50 inch TV & flexible sleeping arrangements.
Fully equipped kitchen/dining room & seating area. Sole use available. Newcastleton 7stanes Mountain Bike Trails, Reivers cycle route & the Cross Border Trail on doorstep, very popular with cyclists, walkers and family groups.
Kailzie BIG Lodge, offers state-of-the-art bunkhouse accommodation. Situated in the heart of the Tweed Valley, just outside the vibrant town of Peebles and within easy access of Edinburgh & Glasgow. It is perfect for an adventurous escape. Sleeping 27 across 6 lovely rooms each with a dedicated bathroom. Book by the room or book sole use of the whole lodge for outdoor groups and extended family and friends get-togethers. Close to famous Mountain bike areas of Glentress and Innerleithen.
In the heart of the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park and close to the Pennine Way. These striking 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 provide stylish, versatile & comfortable self- catering accommodation which can be used for events, conferences & parties.
Situated in the town of Callander at the start of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, CYP Holidays is a great location for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts alike. With outstanding views over Ben Ledi this accommodation has comfortable beds, en suite rooms and a fully equipped self-catering kitchen. Everything you need for the perfect retreat. On the Rob Roy Way, Heart200 and NCR 7
The Dolphin Inn is situated in the centre of the historic seaside town of Dunbar. Just a short walk to the beach and the High Street and with the possibility of trying out a whole range of outdoor activities close by, the hostel is perfect for weekend breaks and family holidays. This characterful hostel sleeps 27 across 11 rooms. Dogs are welcome by arrangement.
Enjoy spectacular views & watching wildlife in modern comfortable self-catering accommodation? Then you’ll love Argyll Backpackers! It’s on the banks of Loch Fyne, just minutes from Cycle Route 78 in the hamlet of Inverneil. Perfect for island hopping to Arran & Islay. Shop at Tarbert or Ardrishaig/Lochgilphead before arriving.
This small, cosy bunkhouse sits away from the crowds among the rolling hills of East Lothian. The shops and amenities of Haddington are just 3 miles away, while Edinburgh to the west and the coast to the east are both easily accessible. The bunkhouse sleeps six in one room. Each booking gets sole use. With a log burning stove, a supply of logs & a fab little kitchen you are assured of a comfortable stay.
The Well Road Centre sits in its own grounds in the charming town of Moffat. It is ideal for all types of groups, family get togethers, conferences, residential workshops, sports and outdoor activity clubs. The Centre has two spacious meeting rooms, a large bright self-catering kitchen, dining room fully equipped for 65, games hall for indoor activities and table tennis room. Bring your own sleeping bags or linens for single duvets. Ample parking & storage.
Large group accommodation centre on the shore of Loch Long in the Loch Lomond & Trossachs National Park.Ever popular with schools, clubs, friends & family get-togethers,& activity retreats.Ardentinny sleeps 80 in 4 & 6 bed dorms, many of which are ensuite.Outdoor activities & catering can be provided if required. Sole use groups can self-cater and sort their own activities. The choice is yours.
A small comfortable walkers/cyclists bunkbarn & campsite on Hadrian's Wall, the Pennine Way, Hadrian's Cycleway & The Pennine Journey. The bunkhouse sleeps 8 in 2 rooms. All beds are singles. Bedding & towels are provided, A simple breakfast is included in the price and there's a kitchenette with microwave, kettle & fridge. There's a pub 5 mins walks away that serves meals 7 days a week. No arrivals by car & no groups.
Bluebell Farm Bunkbarn is 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. Plus 2 studio apartments and 5 self-catering cottages.
There is a shared modern toilet block. BYO sleeping bags/towels or hire. Studio apartments & cottages have bed linen.
Situated in the village of Greenhead on both the Pennine Way & Hadrianâs Wall, this bunkhouse is ideal for walkers or for exploring the Roman heritage sites. It has a self-catering kitchen big enough for large groups. Book by the bed, the room or for sole use. Run by Greenhead Hotel just over the road with an award winning food, it is the perfect place to stop for the night & treat yourself to a meal. Our hostel has 6 dorms (6 & 8 bed) & a few private rooms. All with shared bathroom facilities. Book a bed within a dorm or a private room!
Royal Mile Backpackers is a small and cosy 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.The comfortable beds and cosy common areas will make you feel at home and the friendly staff are always on hand to help you make the most of your time in Edinburgh.
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 including the 7Stanes mountain bike trails nearby. The bunkhouse has now been converted to self-contained units, there are also Mongolian yurts, a bell tent and the jewel in the crown is the Iron Age Roundhouse for parties or weddings
Cleikum Mill Lodge, in the heart of the Tweed Valley, sleeps 10 in two apartments. Book a room, an apartment or the whole Mill. Innerleithen, a 7Stanes trail centre, is on NCR1, Southern Upland Way, Tweed Canoe Trail & the Capital Trail. Shops, pubs, cafés & restaurants a short stroll away. Dog friendly with sole use. B/fast by arrangement in nearby hotel.
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.
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. The historic Royal Mile, the busy pubs, the late-late nightlife of Grassmarket and Cowgate are all only a short walk away. 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.
Gibbs Hill Farm Hostel is on a working hill farm near Once Brewed and 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. Self catering only.
Barholm Enterprise Centre houses a variety of businesses including Barholm Accommodation which has en suite shared and private rooms. Up to 28 can be accommodated in 9 rooms.Perfect for cyclists, walkers, fishermen or those who generally enjoy the outdoors.Facilities include a communal kitchenette (fridge/freezer, kettle, toaster and microwave), sitting room, on-site bike repair facilities, secure bike shed & electric car charging.
CLOSED 9TH APRIL 2023. AWAITING NEW OWNERSWith 16 en suite rooms, Torran Bay Hostel lies at the southern end of Loch Awe. A perfect base for your holiday.Enjoy excellent fishing or launch your boat from Torran Farm land and spend the day on the 25 mile long loch. Other activities include hiking, cycling, bird watching or golf. Prices includes continental breakfast and all rooms have TV and DVD.
Tastefully converted from a stone cowshed, Loughviews Bunkroom, offers comfortable & affordable accommodation for up to 4 guests with a kettle and fridge. Book by the bed or sole use. Occupying an idyllic, secluded position, 2.5 miles along a private track. With Hadrians Wall, the Pennine Journey & the Pennine Way close by it is perfect for walkers. For families it’s great for exploring Northumberland National Park.
Slack House Farm is an organic dairy farm overlooking Birdoswald Roman Fort on Hadrian’s Wall. It is on the NCN 72 cycle trail and close to Hadrian’s Wall National Trail. The bunk-barn has 3 en suite bedrooms of 3,5 and 8 beds.A wood pellet-fired stove gives a warm heart to the kitchen/lounge and provides under-floor heating throughout the barn.Book a bed, a private room or sole use of the whole bunkhouse.
Perfectly located for visiting Lindisfarne and the castles and beaches of the North Northumberland coast, Eat & Sleep Lindisfarne sleeps 28 across 5 rooms, one of which is accessible. Eat at the on-site bistro or self-cater in the bunkhouse kitchen. Situated close to St Cuthberts & St Oswalds Way and directly on the Sandstone Way and the Coast and Castles route. There’s secure cycle storage, a drying room & laundry facilities, comfy beds & piping hot showers for the weary adventurers.
Murray Library Hostel offers cosy, welcoming accommodation in the quaint fishing village of Anstruther on the beautiful east coast of Scotland. Located in a beautifully converted historic library with all bedrooms looking out over the beach, the hostel has a mix of private double, family and dorm rooms. Book a bed, a room or have sole use of the whole place for your group of 6-20.
This map of the Scottish Borders, Southern Highlands, and South Scotland, including the cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh, shows the locations of bunkhouses, bothies, and hostels in these locations. This map of hostels and bunkhouses in Southern Scotland shows self-catering hostel-style accommodation in the Scottish Borders. Including Dumfries and Galloway, Ayrshire, and the Southern Uplands. These hostels are all part of Independent Hostels UK, the largest bunkhouse and hostels network in the UK. Lots of tourists travel quickly through these areas or use the hostels and bunkhouses there as a base to visit Edinburgh and Glasgow. This is a shame, as Southern Scotland has some lovely hostels. Its fertile land historically fed the cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow and the Scottish Borders are full of history.
History in the Borders There are many castles in this area and legends arising from historic border disputes. Robbie Burns and Sir Walter Scott come from Southern Scotland. Sir Walter Scott built Abbotsford House here to be his home. The county of Ayrshire in Southern Scotland is the home of Robert Burns, he was born in the village of Alloway and spent much time in the town of Ayr. The River Tweed flows through the Scottish Borders and along its length are small market towns such as Melrose. The town has local museums telling folk tales about warring families and the Border Reivers. This area has been fought over since Roman times with many battles between the English and the Scots. Historic monuments open to the public include the ruins of four abbeys, many stately homes, haunted castles, museums, gardens, and parks.
Borderland Activtities For those wanting the excitement of challenging mountain biking the 7stanes bike trails in Dumfries and Galloway provide all the thrills with bunkhouse accommodation close by. The Borderloop Cycle Route circles around Galashiels and Hawick. The Pennine Way finishes in the Scottish borders and St. Cuthbert’s Way passes through the area. The bunkhouses and hostels in this area provide great facilities for groups, families, touring, hill walking, and cycling in Southern Scotland and the Scottish Borders.
To the southwest, Dumfries and Galloway jut out into the sea, and is well worth taking a diversion from the north-south A74 to Glasgow. With a coastline of tidal flats, sandy coves, and sea cliffs, this area is ideal for family holidays, walking, and bird watching. Pay a visit to the traditional Dumfries towns of Portpatrick and Kirkcudbright.
The Scottish Borders have wild uplands, green valleys, and a pretty coastline. Many visitors enjoy outdoor pursuits. Fishing, walking and mountain biking are available including the 7stanes centres’ bike trails. There are great facilities for hill walking, cycling, and mountain biking. The Pennine Way finishes in this area of the Scottish Borders. St. Cuthbert’s Way is another popular long distance walk. Cyclists enjoy the Borderloop Cycle Route and Sustrans Route 84.
