Scottish Hostels

18/02/2025

Forget stuffy hotels and boring B&Bs. For walkers and climbers, independent Scottish hostels are sanctuaries, hubs of shared passion and local knowledge. Often nestled in the very glens and villages that provide access to the Munros, run by people who live and breathe the mountains. These people and places possess a unique understanding of the terrain, the weather patterns, and the hidden gems that guidebooks often miss.

That’s the beauty of these independent Scottish hostels. They’re not just about a bed for the night; they’re about connection. Connecting with fellow climbers or walkers, sharing tales of epic ascents and near misses, swapping tips on gear and routes. Connecting with the local community, learning about the history of the glens or islands, and discovering the best pubs for a well-earned pint (if there is one nearby). You’ll find that you are connecting with the land itself, through the shared passion for the mountains that unites everyone within those welcoming walls.

Munro bagging is a fantastic way to experience the beauty of Scotland. Just be sure to do your research, prepare properly, and stay safe.

Follow for more Munro and Scottish activities for your independent Scottish Hostels adventures.

Contact an independent Scottish hostel today to start your Munro adventure.

07/02/2025

Planning your trips for 2025? Look no further than Scotland and Scottish Hostels to book your next adventure.

Whether its your first visit, or a reminder that it is time to return to our beautiful country. Look to visit Scotland and stay in our amazing hostels.

> In the mountains
> Bottom of a glen
> By the sea
> On an island (or group of islands!)
> View of a castle

Be it exploring, touring or just chilling on the beach.

Scottish hostels cater for all your needs.

Check out our full list of independent hostels and get yourself booked in for an adventure.

30/12/2024

Looking forward to seeing you in a hostel in Scotland in 2025!

24/12/2024

Have a wonderful festive season. Let us know if you're celebrating in a hostel. What's your favourite thing about Christmas in a hostel?

14/12/2024

This looks like an amazing time was had by all in Braemar. There’s a lot to be said for hosteling when you want to get away with your friends

01/12/2024

Our friends at Comrie Croft have a special offer on this month. Comrie Croft is a great place to stay. If you're interested in biking they've got it all on the doorstep. Or if you just want to relax in a quiet, peaceful space ... check it out.

19/08/2024

Scottish-hostels.com member feature: John’s Bunkhouse. Opened in 2018, John’s Bunkhouse is a stylish, purpose-built hostel. Built on the footprint of a local ‘blackhouse’, it combines the charm of a traditional building with the facilities and comfort of a modern bunkhouse. It has three bunkrooms.

This Scottish Hostels member welcomes families, solo-travellers and groups of up to eight people. Full house bookings are also available. There is a large well-equipped kitchen/living room, with comfortable sofas and a peat-burning stove, also a bike shed, drying room and underfloor heating throughout.

This is an eco-friendly hostel with a heat pump, composting facilities and low-energy amenities. The hostel is situated right at the heart of the Outer Hebrides string of islands and the Hebridean Way walking and cycling route. It is an ideal stopping off point and a good place from which to explore North Uist and Harris. With its sandy beaches and rolling hills Berneray is a great place to discover. You can easily walk around the whole island in a day

11/08/2024

Scottish Hostels member feature: The Lazy Crofter Bunkhouse offers quality self-catering accommodation at affordable prices. Combining spectacular natural features, a stunning coastline, golden beaches, rugged mountains and friendly people, this area makes for a slower pace of life and a relaxing holiday location. Ideally located for the NC500. To plan your unique trip to Scotland go to Scottish-hostels.com and let Scotlands largest member run hostel community help you with local lore

24/07/2024

https://www.scottish-hostels.com/business-listings/glencoe-independent-hostel
Plan your unique trip with Scottish-hostels.com. Our featured member Heart of Glencoe Holidays is a perfect base camp to explore the iconic Glencoe and beyond

20/07/2024

https://www.scottish-hostels.com/business-listings/forest-way-bunkhouse Forest Way Bunkhouse
located nine miles south of the idyllic fishing village of Ullapool, Forest Way Bunkhouse is a peaceful rural setting to explore the surrounding area or stop off on your NC500 trip

18/07/2024

https://www.scottish-hostels.com/blog/summer-festival-season
Festival season is upon us once again and it’s not too late to get in a cheeky last minute summer celebration, as well as a convenient Hostel booking

16/07/2024

Go to Scottish-hostels.com to plan your unique trip to Scotland

02/07/2024

https://www.scottish-hostels.com/blog/what-is-munro-bagging

Hostels are the best accommodation option for hillwalking in Scotland, and for those of you wanting to take hillwalking to the next level, Munro Bagging is a sure fire way to do that.

19/05/2024

Introducing Coll Bunkhouse:
Coll Bunkhouse is owned and run by Development Coll ( a development trust) on behalf of the community. It helps support the local community centre; a fantastic facility for visitors and locals alike.

Coll is certainly an off-the-beaten track destination as far as most visitors to Scotland are concerned but it is a well kept secret with the most amazing, stunning beaches. Take time to slow down and appreciate life while enjoying the abundant nature surrounding you.

Book direct by using the link below:

https://www.scottish-hostels.com/business-listings/coll-bunkhouse

Coll Bunkhouse VisitScotland Visit the Hebrides.co.uk

16/05/2024

Introducing Ballater Hostel

"Run by Dominique & Daniel, supervised by our wee 4-year-old girl, Ariana. We took over the hostel 7 years ago and love living in rural Ballater, surrounded by mountains and enjoying village life. We are enthusiastic hostellers ourselves, and like to think we know what a hosteller is looking for when they stay (good shower, mug of tea, drying room, somewhere to relax, cosy bed). Avid walkers, retired cavers, drink lots of tea."

Book direct with Ballater Hostel through the Scottish-Hostels website
https://www.scottish-hostels.com/business-listings/ballater-hostel

Ballater Hostel VisitScotland VisitCairngorms

12/05/2024

Introducing Argyll Backpackers is an amazing purpose-built 'green' hostel with stunning views across Loch Fyne to Cowal, north to the 'Argyll Alps' and south to Arran.

Argyll Backpackers is run by Pam:
"really was born into the role! My inspiration for designing and building the hostel originated with my parents, who met while hostelling in Scotland during the late 1940s. From a young age, I inherited the hostelling bug, and having stayed in many different hostels over the years both here and abroad, want to offer safe, comfortable, and practical self-catering accommodation on a budget. I love the community ethos of hostelling and encourage my guests to share the highlights of their trip with each other. With so many gems accessible right from our doorstep... I can help you find the best scenic spots for picnics, wildlife watching, exploring historical sites, and enjoying the ancient Scottish culture."

Book direct with Argyll Backpackers through their Scottish Hostels listing.

https://www.scottish-hostels.com/business-listings/argyll-backpackers

09/05/2024

Introducing Ayres Rock Hostel and Campsite (Orkney)
"Paul and Julie have lived on Sanday since 2007 and have a abundance for local knowledge with Paul being a tour provider. We offer excellent customer service and live on site we’re always happy to help."

https://www.scottish-hostels.com/business-listings/ayres-rock-hostel

Ayres Rock VisitScotland orkney.com