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
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.
Skye Basecamp is a fabulous centrally located bunkhouse with mostly 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.
The Heb Hostel is a family-run backpackers hostel in the heart of Stornoway on the enchanting Isle of Lewis. It's ideal for travellers visiting the Hebrides. Cyclists, walkers, surfers, families & groups are all welcome. Clean, comfortable, friendly & relaxed, Heb Hostel aims to provide a quality stay at budget prices. There are many facilities, including a common room with peat fire, free WiFi, local guides & information.
Many people's favourite hostel thanks to its friendly atmosphere, the beautiful seaside town setting and its excellent facilities. Enjoy free WiFi, free breakfast, free all-day hot drinks, clean spacious rooms, secure bike storage, laundry service, communal areas, strong hot showers, comfortable beds and a well-equipped self-catering kitchen. The lively town of Oban has direct ferry access to the many beautiful Scottish Isles.
Ross of Mull Bunkrooms are located less than a mile from the ferry link to Iona at Fionnphort. Ideal for exploring the superb wildlife, rich history & shell-sand beaches of the Ross of Mull, so loved by outdoor enthusiasts. Perfect for day trips to Staffa, the Treshnish Isles & Iona. There are two 4 bed bunk rooms, a well-equipped kitchen, woodburner and stunning views.
Welcome to the world famous Knoydart Foundation Bunkhouse on the stunning remote peninsula of Knoydart on the west coast of Scotland reachable only by boat or a 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 & comfy communal areas. Ranger service & deer stalking available. Stunning dark skies, so bring a torch!
With 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.
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 or relaxing. Fish in the nearby lochs or simply enjoy the flora and fauna. Hot showers, spotless accommodation, an unbelievable price and the feeling of remoteness make the Bothy and Campsite a firm favourite. There is also a holiday cottage for hire.
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 & shared dorms. Linen, duvets & towels provided. USB sockets, free WiFi. Tea & coffee available all day. Basic self service breakfast provided. Keycode entry.
Inchnadamph Lodge Assynt is a grand house tastefully converted to provide a variety of accommodation in the Scottish Highlands. Choose from private rooms, dorms, shepherd huts and steadings. Located at the foot of Ben More Assynt, overlooking Loch Assynt, it is a great base to explore one of the wildest areas in the Highlands. On North Coast 500 classic road route.
This 5* self-catering hostel accommodation is a short hop from the ferry terminal & in the village next to local amenities. Ideal for groups, families (cot available) 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.
A warm welcome & great value accommodation in Oban for singles, couples, families & groups. Enjoy a large self-catering kitchen, spacious lounge, comfortable rooms & big beds. Corran House is perfect for exploring Argyll & the inner Hebrides & is close to the bus, train & ferry. Downstairs try Markie Dans bar for tasty meals, live music & Highland hospitality.
Perfectly situated in the heart of Oban, the gateway to the Isles, just 10 mins’ walk from the bus, train & ferry terminals, this friendly hostel is a great place to stay and unwind. The fabulous sociable lounge has a real fire, pool table, free WiFi, comfy sofas and unlimited free hot drinks. The kitchen is fully equipped, perfect for cooking your favourite meals. Large dorm beds come complete with bedding including 2 comfy pillows. The hot powerful showers are legendary! Knowledgeable and friendly staff will help you make the most of your time in Oban.
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.
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.
Ardnamurchan Bunkhouse is in Glenborrodale on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula, one of the UK’s last unspoiled coastal wildernesses.
This recently renovated eco-bunkhouse sleeps 16 people in eight bedrooms, with a well-equipped kitchen, flexible dining tables, free Wi-Fi and parking.
Opened in 2021, Grinneabhat is a brand new community owned and run hostel on the Isle of Lewis. Sleeping 12 across 4 ensuite rooms you can book a bed, a room or the whole hostel. Grinneabhat hostel makes the perfect base for exploring this enchanting island, it's history and culture, deserted beaches and abundant wildlife. All bed linen and towels are provided and dogs are welcome by arrangement.
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.
N°5 Drinishader is on the Isle of Harris, 5 miles from Tarbert & 8 miles from the famous white sandy beaches. Situated above Drinishader harbour, overlooking the beautiful East Loch Tarbert, the hostel & self-catering units provide a variety of accommodation for individuals, families & 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 & packed lunches can be provided.
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.
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.
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 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.
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, internet and a 12 bunk dormitory. The hotel bar serves excellent home-made food and is in the 2018 Good Beer Guide.
Ledgowan Lodge bunkhouse is adjacent to the hotel. Perfectly located, it is within easy driving distance of the Torridon and Fannich Mountain ranges while Fionn Bheinn Mountain is on the doorstep.
The bunkhouse sleeps five in five private rooms. There are cooking facilities for self-catering in the bunkhouse. Guests are welcome to use the hotel facilities when available.
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.
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.
Gerry’s Hostel is a rustic cottage situated in a wilderness area on the most scenic railway in Britain. It is on the Cape Wrath Trail, The T.G.O Challenge Route and is 0.5 miles from the Coulin Pass at Craig. Run by a live-in host the hostel sleeps 20 in a large dormitory and family rooms, with some heating. Meals and draught ale are a 15 min drive away. Great location for many activities including walking, climbing, fishing, cycling, golfing and wildlife watching.
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 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 35 people. With a rich cultural heritage and amazing wildlife, Muck is the perfect place to unwind. BYO bedding/towel (or £5pp per stay for linen, and £3pp per stay for towels) and food supplies (no general store on Muck).
This super warm and comfy eco bunkhouse on a traditional croft is the perfect base to explore the magical Isle of Lismore. The bunkhouse sleeps 12 in a mix of en suite dorms and private rooms and there is a campsite with 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 as well as walkers, cyclists and those wanting to get away from it all. Home grown organic veg and bike hire.
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. Evening meals are available within walking distance at the 2 hotels in Glenfinnan. Sole use only until covid restrictions are completely lifted.
On the unspoilt 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.
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 bunkhouse, comfy bunks, hot showers and simple living. There is parking for six cars and beds for twelve, split between three rooms (please bring a sleeping bag).The bunkhouse is well equipped for self-catering, with enough tables & chairs for everyone. Laundry/drying, outside recreation and BBQ.
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.
Read this blog by our resident blogger about how The Western Isles Are Calling. Perfect for Western Coast travel inspiration.
