Bunkhouses and hostels in Scotland

PORT CHARLOTTE

This hostel is based in a former distillery warehouse in the centre of the village. Islay itself is home to nine whisky distilleries, beautiful beaches, the Museum of Island Life, plus you can take the ferry out to explore other islands including Jura.

Book a stay at Port Charlotte

GLEN NEVIS

This 5-star hostel sits near the bustling town of Fort William. That makes it perfect for all the exciting activities that the UK's Outdoor Capital offers including Ben Nevis, the West Highland Way and the Great Glen Way.

Book a stay at Glen Nevis

GLEN PROSEN

A converted primary school, this hostel has a large welcoming lounge with a wood-burning stove. Glen Prosen is part of the Angus Glens, so you'll be surrounded by green forests, tumbling rivers and heather-clad hillsides perfect for hiking, cycling and wildlife.

Book a stay at Glen Prosen

HELMSDALE LODGE

This former school gymnasium has been sympathetically refurbished, keeping its original charm. It's a great base for exploring north east Sutherland, with easy access to cycling, walking or the North Coast 500. Check out the local Heritage Trail which starts at the Timespan Museum & Arts Centre in this small harbour village.

Book a stay at Helmsdale Lodge

ISLESBURGH HOUSE

This 5-star island hostel sits in the centre of Lerwick and is consistently rated one of the best in the world by Hostelling International visitors. On the Mainland, explore the historical sites of Jarlshof, Clickimin Broch and Mousa Broch. Enjoy the beautiful beaches, spot wildlife and experience the culture and traditional music.

Book a stay at Islesburgh House

RATAGAN

This hostel is small and intimate, with a lochside location and views towards Skye. It's a popular choice if you want to explore the outdoors, with a number of low-level scrambles and ridge walks nearby. The garden is perfect for launching kayaks into Loch Duich, plus Eilean Donan Castle is just 8 miles away.

Book a stay at Ratagan

SAIL LOFT IN PORTSOY

Book this self-catering bunkhouse accommodation in Portsoy and enjoy access to the outdoor decking area with seating, a walled garden and BBQ, and even a hot tub! Portsoy sits in the north of Aberdeenshire, a beautiful coastal spot with beaches, marine life, watersports and golf courses.

Book a stay at Sail Loft

TORRIDON

This hostel sits on the west coast on the North Coast 500. It's obviously a great base for hillwalkers and climbers, but you'll also find archery, kayaking and mountain biking activities nearby.

Book a stay at Torridon

LOCH OSSIAN

Looking to get away from it all? Loch Ossian sits high on Rannoch Moor, surrounded by Munros. It's an eco-hostel only accessible by rail, bike or on foot.

Take a short 20-minute walk from Corrour Railway Station to experience the unspoiled natural beauty of this area.

Book a stay at Loch Ossian Youth Hostel

ACHMELVICH BEACH

Want a beach holiday? Achmelvich hostel is 300 metres from one of the best beaches in the UK.

Soak up the crystal-clear waters from the sand or explore further with sea kayaking and snorkelling.

Book a stay at Achmelvich Beach Youth Hostel

PAPA WESTRAY

This community-run hostel is based on one of Orkney's smallest islands, home to an RSPB wildlife reserve perfect for birdwatching. Papa Westray has unspoilt beaches and is rich in archaeology with the Knap of Howar, restored St Boniface, and chambered cairns on Holm of Papay.

Book a stay at Papa Westray Hostel

CAIRNGORM LODGE

Take the family to the heart of Cairngorms National Park with a stay at this hostel. You'll be surrounded by forest trails, and close to the highest sandy beach at Loch Morlich.

Book a stay at Cairngorm Lodge

LOCHRANZA

Enjoy a break at this island-based hotel on Arran. See if you can spot the local wildlife from the hostel garden, before heading out for activities including mountain biking, pony-trekking and watersports.

Book a stay at Lochranza

GAIRLOCH SANDS

This hostel is perfect for the beach, and you can bring along the dog too! Gairloch Sands is an affordable option on the popular island of Skye.

Book at stay at Gairloch Sands

OBAN

You can easily explore many of the west coast islands from this hostel in Oban. Take the ferry out to Mull, Coll, Tiree, Iona and more. The hostel is also great for cycling - there's a secure bike store and you're on the Caledonia Way Cycle Route.

Book a stay at Oban

HOSTELLING INCLUDES FOOD & DRINK

Many hostels hold an alcohol license. Look out for local craft beers, cider and wines.

They also come with facilities for a self-catering break, so you can cook up some great local produce.

Find out more about food & drink in hostels

HOSTELLING SCOTLAND OFFERS MEMBER BENEFITS

You can become a member of Hostelling Scotland and get discounts, promotions and access to the friendly Hostelling community.

But you don't have to be a member - anyone can book a stay.

Find out more on becoming a member of Hostelling Scotland

HOSTELLING CAN BE EXCLUSIVE

Many hostels allow you to book the whole venue through RentaHostel - a great option for local clubs or extended family and friends.

Find out how to rent a hostel

Find hostels suitable for group bookings

HOSTELLING CAN BE ROMANTIC

Hostels can even be hired out as a wedding venue - Rowardennan Lodge and Lochranza are particularly popular for their beautiful settings.

What to expect at a hostel

There are two Scottish based hostel organisations. Hostelling Scotland (previously Scottish Youth Hostel Association) was founded in 1931 and is part of Hostelling International with a network of its own hostels all over the country, as well as independently owned and run affiliate hostels. Scottish Hostels (previously Scottish Independent Hostels) started up in the mid-1980s and is an association of independent hostels, bunkhouses, bothies and activity accommodation providers that is owned and run by its member businesses.

Most hostels have online booking facilities and the best way to support them is by booking direct.  It’s usually best to book in advance too, particularly in high season, to avoid disappointment. Not all hostels are open for 12 months a year so make sure to check if you are travelling during the winter months.