The hostels along the West Coast of Scotland are ideal for touring the western highlands or island hoping to Skye and beyond to the outer Hebrides. Travel up the west coast by road from Kyle of Lochash to Ullapool, a curving route past beaches and white sand bays with mountains providing the backdrop to the views. A slow route through true wilderness, now incorporated into the North Coast 500 road route. Or take the bridge to Skye and travel up the Hebrides and back to the mainland at Ullapool. The inner Hebrides of Eigg, Muck and Rum, and the remote Knoydart peninsula on the a west coast of Scotland all have lovely independent hostels and bunkhouses, providing unique self catering accommodation.
West Coast of Scotland
The Ceilidh Place, in the centre of Ullapool, is a unique small complex, consisting of a music venue/performance space, restaurant, hotel, bar, bookshop, coffee shop, gallery and bunkhouse. There are regular ceilidhs, concerts & plays. The bunkhouse (group only) does not have self-catering facilities but the coffee shop is open from 8.30am to late evening all week including weekends. Rooms are also available in the hotel. The village of Ullapool is a small exciting port and fishing town, with ferries from the Outer Hebrides. Hill walkers and families especially love staying here.
Glebe Barn offers 4* homely accommodation on the extraordinary Isle of Eigg within 1 mile of the island shop & café/restaurant. Outstanding sea views and sleeping up to 22 in twin, triple, family & dorm rooms. Perfect for individuals, families or groups. Also two person mezzanine apartment.
The Backpackers Lodge, the oldest croft house in Mallaig, offers a homely base from which to explore the Inner Hebrides, the famous white sands of Morar and the remote peninsula of Knoydart. Mallaig is a working fishing village with all the excitement of the boats landing. You can see the seals playing in the harbour and take whale and dolphin watching trips. The hostel provides excellent budget accommodation with central heating, a well equipped kitchen/common room and free WiFi. Hot water and heating provided by renewable energy.
Gerry's Hostel is situated in an excellent mountaineering and wilderness area on the most scenic railway in Britain. It is on the Cape Wrath Trails, The T.G.O Challenge Route and is 0.5 miles from the Coulin Pass at Craig. It sleeps 20; 10 in a large dormitory with comfy beds, the rest in 5/6 bed family rooms. Meals and draught ale are a 15 min drive away. Your perfect base for many activities including walking, climbing, fishing, cycling, golfing and wildlife watching.
Walkers, climbers and mountain bikers enjoying the Torridon Mountains and wilderness areas will be warmly welcomed at the Kinlochewe Hotel and Bunkhouse. Situated on the North Coast 500 road route, within 20 miles of over 20 Munros, the bunkhouse boasts a well equipped, self-catering kitchen, an efficient drying room, hot showers and a 12 bunk dormitory. The hotel bar serves excellent home-made food and is in the 2018 Good Beer Guide.
This recently renovated bunkhouse provides good value accommodation for individuals and small groups right next door to the Arisaig Hotel and the Crofter’s Rest pub. A perfect stop-off en route to the Scottish islands or as a base to explore this beautiful part of the north west coast.Sea kayaking and archery available from the hotel. Trips to the small islands start from Arisaig Marine over the road. Cycle hire is available. Or take part in an evening of tradional music making in the pub.
Glenfinnan Sleeping Car provides unique accommodation in an historic railway carriage next to Glenfinnan Station & close to Glenfinnan Viaduct (featured in Harry Potter films). An ideal location for the mountains, a good starting point for bothy expeditions & a useful stop-over en route to Skye. Fully equipped kitchen, shower & drying room. The dining coach provides excellent meals in the daytime & evening meals are available close by.
This fully equipped hostel on the Isle of Lewis enjoys stunning views of the Atlantic coast towards the Butt of Lewis Lighthouse. It provides the perfect haven from which to explore the west side of Lewis, with sandy beaches, wildlife and historic sites on the doorstep. A short walk through the croft takes you to the shore and river, where there is an abundance of birds & otters are regular visitors. The hostel has one dormitory with 6 beds, two shower/toilet rooms and a kitchen/dining room. Towels, bedding, bike shed & drying facilities are included.
Whether your visit to Skye is to tackle the mighty mountains, meet the legendary faeries or simply to chill out, Skye Backpackers is the place for you. Located in the fishing village of Kyleakin surrounded by mountains and sea, the hostel has dorm, double and twin rooms. All beds come with sheets, duvets and 2 pillows. There is a fully equipped self-catering kitchen, a sunny dining area, as much free tea, coffee & hot chocolate as you can drink, free WiFi, a cosy lounge with a real fire and spectacular views.
Knoydart is a remote peninsula on the west coast of Scotland reachable only by boat or long hike. Community run, the Bunkhouse uses hydro electricity & promotes responsible tourism. Set amid wild, remote terrain overlooking a mesmerising beach. Ten mins' walk to pub, PO, shop & ferry at Inverie. 3 bedrooms and comfy communal areas. Ranger service & deer stalking available. Stunning dark skies, so bring a torch!
Feet from the edge of Loch Harport, Isle of Skye, with breathtaking views of the Cuillins, this purpose built, stylish & comfortable bunkhouse is an ideal base for hill walkers or sightseers. There is spectacular scenery and abundant wildlife in the surrounding hills and glens. The bunkhouse has a kitchen and common room with a balcony overlooking the loch and 5 bunkrooms, one en suite. The Old Inn, a traditional highland pub provides breakfast, lunch and dinner if required.
Close to the idyllic fishing village of Ullapool in a peaceful rural setting with lots of wildlife. A perfect base for climbers & walkers with 22 Munros and many other hills in the area. Next to Lael Forest Gardens which is renowned for its wildlife. The bunkhouse is ideally located for touring the North West Highlands with easy access to the areas of Torridon and up to Assynt.
Sanachan Bunkhouse, in Kishorn, is the perfect base for walking, climbing, kayaking, cycling & sailing in Wester Ross. After a fun filled day, your group can return to a warm fire, comfy bunks, hot showers and simple living.
There is parking for six cars and beds for fifteen, split between two rooms (bring a sleeping bag).The bunkhouse is well equipped for self-catering, with enough tables & chairs for everyone. Laundry/drying, outside recreation and BBQ.
Skye Basecamp is a fabulous centrally located hostel with individual beds in small dormitories & private en suite rooms. Perfect for lovers of the great outdoors, with hot showers, comfy beds and a great drying room. Shops & bars all within walking distance. Knowledgeable staff and enthusiastic guests create a fantastic atmosphere. Join us for sunset panoramas across the shores of Broadford Bay or take a stroll to the beach with its resident otters.
Knoydart Lodge, on the magical Knoydart Peninsula, the last wilderness in UK, is accessible only by ferry. The purpose built Lodge offers hotel quality accommodation at bunkhouse prices. Luxury abounds, from the fresh linens & fluffy towels in each room to the spacious communal areas with high vaulted ceilings, open beam architecture and huge picture windows with gorgeous views. Breakfasts, homemade dinners & pick up from the ferry can be provided.
N°5 Drinishader is on the Isle of Harris, 5 miles from Tarbert and 8 miles from the famous white sandy beaches. Situated above Drinishader harbour, overlooking the beautiful East Loch Tarbert, the hostel and self-catering units provide a variety of accommodation for individuals, families and groups. Pick-up services from Tarbert can be arranged for a small cost. Your perfect base for coastal/hill walking, cycling, kayaking, boat trips, sightseeing and bird/wildlife watching. Breakfast and packed lunches can be provided.
Craignure, a superior eco-sensitive bunkhouse, purpose built in 2014, is the perfect base for your Mull adventure. Set on the water's edge close to the ferry port, there's the Craignure Inn next door for traditional island hospitality. The 4 well-appointed bunkrooms have en suite showers and there's a spacious well appointed communal area with kitchen, ample dining and relaxing space.
This super warm and comfy eco bunkhouse on a traditional croft is the perfect base from which to explore the magical Isle of Lismore. The bunkhouse sleeps 12 in a mix of en suite dorms and private rooms and for larger groups the campsite has 5 pitches and hook ups for 2 camper vans. The Isle of Lismore is just 7 miles by car ferry from Oban and is a tranquil, unspoilt island surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. Perfect for wildlife and history lovers as well as walkers, cyclists and those wanting to get away from it all. Bike hire available.
On the unspoiled Isle of Lewis, Ravenspoint Hostel sits on the shores of Loch Erisort, providing comfortable accommodation in a traditional crofting community where Gaelic is still spoken on a daily basis.
Whether travelling by bike, car or on foot, look out for white-tailed eagles, otters, deer and enjoy exploring the community-owned Pairc Estate on which the hostel sits alongside a small shop, tea-room, fuel service and museum.
The Heb Hostel is a family-run backpackers hostel in the heart of Stornoway on the enchanting Isle of Lewis. It is an ideal stop/stay for travellers visiting the Hebrides. Cyclists, walkers, surfers, families and groups are all welcome. Clean, comfortable, friendly and relaxed, Heb Hostel aims to provide you with a quality stay at budget prices. There are many facilities, including a common room with peat fire, free WiFi, local guides and information.
Coll Bunkhouse 5* self-catering hostel accommodation is a mile from the ferry terminal & close to local amenities. Ideal for groups or individuals, short or longer stays. A half hour from the mainland by plane, under 3 hours by ferry. This beautiful Hebridean island is ideal for walking, stargazing, wildlife, cycling, water sports or chilling amidst stunning scenery. Visit quiet and beautiful spaces and beaches and enjoy fine island hospitality. A warm welcome awaits you.
Stay in a Shieling Tent on the Isle of Mull. Choose from private en suite or standard Sheilings, budget-bed tents for small groups or book a bed in the Shared Shieling Hostel Tent. Clean, bright & spacious, there's also a tented common room with basic kitchen facilities, multi-fuel stove, free WiFi and TV. Views across Craignure Bay and towards Ben Nevis. Otters live on the site, wildlife abounds & eagles soar above.
Part of the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village on the Isle of Lewis, the Gearrannan Hostel has been refurbished to sleep 13 including a 3 bed family room. Warm and cosy it has a well equipped kitchen & two modern shower rooms. The bunkhouse (groups only) sleeps 14 in bunks. The perfect base for many local attractions from surfing to country walks, archaeology to cycling. There are also 3 holiday cottages.
Laxdale Bunkhouse, on the Isle of Lewis, lies within Laxdale Holiday Park, a small family-run park set in peaceful leafy surroundings. Just 1.5 miles away from the town of Stornoway, it's an ideal base for exploring the island. Built in 1998, the bunkhouse has four rooms of four bunks. There is a drying room, a spacious fully equipped dining kitchen, a comfortable TV lounge and BBQ area. Toilets/showers are located in the building & are suitable for the disabled. Wigwams are also available.
On the tranquil shores of Little Loch Broom overlooking one of Scotland’s finest mountain ranges, Badrallach Bothy and Campsite offer a fine base for walking and climbing. Fish in the rivers, hill lochs and sea or simply enjoy the flora and fauna. Hot showers, spotless accommodation, an unbelievable price and total peace make the Bothy and Campsite a firm favourite. There is also a holiday cottage for hire.
Tiree is an idyllic Hebridean island surrounded by white beaches and crystal clear seas. Perfect for outdoor pursuits & wildlife enthusiasts, Millhouse offers you 4* facilities and free WiFi. You can hire bikes, visit the lighthouse museum, watch the seals or enjoy watersports at Loch Bhasapol (200m away). For walkers Tiree Pilgrimage route passes close by. Tiree has a resident RSPB warden and there are handy bird and otter hides for you to use.
This self-catering hostel can also be hired as a holiday cottage. The bunkhouse overlooks the ferry port of Port Mor, it is near to The Craft Shop & Tearoom and to the island's Community Hall. The Isle of Muck is just 2 miles long by 1 mile wide and has a population of 46 people. With a rich cultural heritage and amazing wildlife, Muck is the perfect place to unwind. BYO towel, sleeping bag and supplies (no shops on Muck).
Situated in the village of Tarbert on the Isle of Harris, the Backpackers Stop is a comfortable hostel for travellers. Close to the ferry, bus, shops, cafés, bars and restaurants. The Backpackers Stop is a handy base for exploring Harris, as well as whilst walking or cycling the islands. Ideal when arriving by ferry. Self-catering kitchen, lounge and shared dorms. Linen, duvets and towels provided. USB sockets, free WiFi.Tea & coffee available all day. Basic self service breakfast provided. Keycode entry.
Inchnadamph Lodge has been tastefully converted to provide luxury hostel accommodation at a budget price. There’s a large self-catering kitchen, a games room, a lounge and a dining room. Food is usually available at the Inchnadamph Hotel just across the river. Based at the foot of Ben More Assynt and overlooking Loch Assynt, explore one of the wildest areas in the Highlands from the door.
Originally the post office, Portree Hostel on the Isle of Skye sleeps 60 in small family rooms and dorms. All bedding is provided, there is a fully equipped kitchen/dining area (continental breakfast is available on request) & a well equipped launderette. Close to the bus terminus, it is an ideal base for touring the island & is walking distance to a wide variety of shops. From the hostel there are pleasant coastal & woodland walks. Bike and car hire are available locally. Portree has an annual Folk Festival in July & Highland Games in August.
This map of the West Coast of Scotland shows hostels, bunkhouses, and bothies on the West Coast and on the Isle of Skye and the islands of the Hebrides.
<p? These hostels are all part of the Independent Hostels UK network, the largest network of bunkhouses and hostels in the UK, and provide great value self catering accommodation.
Travel up the west coast by road from Kyle of Lochash to Ullapool, a curving route past beaches and white sand bays with mountains providing the backdrop to the views. A slow route through true wilderness, now incorporated into the North Coast 500 road route.
Or take the bridge to Skye and travel up the Hebrides hop scotching by ferry from island to island. Then back to the mainland from Stornoway on Lewis to Ullapool on the mainland.
