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
Ulva hostel gives guests the unique opportunity to stay on a minimally populated island. The island of Ulva, lies just off the west coast of Mull and can be reached by foot passenger ferry from Mull. The hostel, originally a shooting lodge, sleeps 14 across 5 rooms. It has a fully equipped kitchen, large living room, dining room/workspace room and a sauna. There are also 2 family sized yurts and a camping area in the grounds.
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.
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.
Recently sold to new owners. CLOSED AT PRESENT.Stoer Hostel is a warm & spacious conversion of a former church. Situated on the B869 it is near 3 gorgeous beaches & Stoer Lighthouse is 4 miles away. A great base for exploring the stunning hills of Assynt & its spectacular coastline.The hostel sleeps 22 in 4 bunk rooms, 2 twin rooms and 1 self-contained flat. There is a drying room, utility room, huge open plan living area, wood burning stove & free WiFi. Groups welcome.
Inchnadamph Explorers Lodge is a grand house tastefully converted to provide a variety of accommodation in the Scottish Highlands.Choose from private rooms, dorms, a self-catering cottage, shepherd huts and steading studio apartments.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.
Grinneabhat is a 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.Dogs are welcome by arrangement.
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.
Welcome to the homely comfort of the Knoydart Foundation Bunkhouse on the stunningly 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 and a 2 min walk to wonderful long beach. 20 mins’ walk to pub, PO, shop & ferry at Inverie. 3 mixed dorm rooms & comfy communal areas. Ranger service & deer stalking available. Stunning dark skies, so bring a torch!
Located in the small village of Lochaline on the remote Morvern Peninsula, Highland Basecamp is perfect for adventures on land or sea. It has 12 private en suite bunk rooms (each with one set of single bunks) along with a spacious decking area, a well equipped self catering kitchen & cosy lounge. With underfloor heating, fluffy towels & hotel quality bed linen you are sure of a comfortable stay.
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.
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, walkers, cyclists and getting away from it all. Home grown veg and bike hire.
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 hire them from the hostel. Bring your own food supplies (no general store on Muck).
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.
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.
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 and local guides.
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.
Gerry’s Hostel is 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. It sleeps up to 20 in a large dormitory & private rooms, with some heating. The beds are all made up with sheets, pillow cases and duvet covers. Meals & draught ale are 15 min drive away. Great location for walking, climbing, fishing, cycling, golfing and wildlife watching.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Glebe Barn offers 4* homely accommodation on the extraordinary Isle of Eigg. It is situated within 1 mile of the island shop & café/restaurant. Offering outstanding sea views, it sleeps 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Unique, quirky comfortable compartments in a vintage railway carriage at Glenfinnan Station. At the start of the Viaduct Trail to the viewpoint for the Glenfinnan Viaduct (Harry Potter films). En-route to Skye (Mallaig ferry), Knoydart & the Small Isles. Kitchen, seating area, WC, shower & drying room. Breakfast, lunch, evening meals in walking distance.
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.
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.
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. 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 Lochalsh to Ullapool, a curving route past beaches and white sand bays with mountains providing the backdrop to the views. A slow route through the 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.
