Bunkhouses and hostels in the great outdoors!
Planning an adventure around the North Coast 500? Then a stay in a bunkhouse or hostel in the great outdoors may be the perfect way to set up base for a holiday to remember. Bunkhouses can be ideal for larger groups or families, whilst hostels let the solo traveller meet like-minded adventurers from around the world.
Bunkhouses and hostels range from budget accommodation that require you to bring your own sleeping bag, whilst others offer everything, including the luxury Scandinavian bunkhouse with box beds, or even activities such as Paddle Boarding as extras. As well as self-catering facilities, most also offer B&B, a great excuse to get out and try some of the local cuisine.
This type of accommodation is popular with outdoor enthusiasts – and it’s no wonder why! The North Coast 500 boasts 37 Munros (perfect for those ‘bagging munros’), world famous surf around Thurso and the North Coast, and award-winning mountain bike trails. The route is also popular with cyclists, with many cycling the entire route! Most bunkhouses and hostels offer bicycle storage.
Bunkhouses and Hostels
Black Rock Campsite Bunkhouse, Evanton
Approx. 30 minutes from Inverness this 17 bed bunkhouse is ideal for back packers, hill walkers and hikers looking for a clean and comfortable night under canvas. Located next to the campsite is a community owned woodland with hidden trails, ponds and gorge (which was featured in the Harry Potter film ‘The Goblet of Fire’), and the nearby Fyrish Monument is a popular walk among visitors and locals.
The bunkhouse offers shower and laundry facilities, fully equipped communal kitchen and dining area with TV, four rooms with four bunks each and one single room. They also offer 10% discount off the local restaurant, The Novar Arms, just a 2min walk from the campsite.
The Highland Haven, Mey
This modern, quirky and luxurious Scandinavian Bunkhouse is located in the far north coast outside John O’Groats – the perfect place to switch off while exploring the county of Caithness. From the famous Rock Rose Gin to the former Queen Mother’s Castle of Mey, the area is ideal for cycling, hiking, surfing and fishing, as well as being home to fascinating history, geology and archaeology.
Ideal for families, motorcycle groups, cyclists and surfers, they offer self-catering and B&B, including vegan and gluten free catering. Two bunk rooms featuring bespoke bunk pods, each with en-suite shower facilities: The Barn sleeps 6 guests and The Burrow sleeps 4.
Hartfield House, Applecross
The Applecross peninsula boasts a breathtakingly beautiful and dramatic landscape, and where better to stay than at Hartfield House, a VisitScotland 4 Star hostel, set back from the main road, nestled amongst the mountainous landscape, shady trees, and bubbling river. The ideal place to base yourself for walking and trekking, cycling, mountain biking, kayaking and climbing.
A large building set in its own grounds, Hartfield sleeps 50 in a mix of twin, triple, private and dorm rooms. There are hot showers, restful common areas, a dining hall, laundry, covered area for bikes, free WiFi, tuck shop, large garden, and venue for weddings and events. There is a local shop, and three restaurants within a 15 to 30 minute walk or 5 to 10 minutes in the car.
Cornmill’s Bunkhouse, Strathhalladale
Head off the route and venture in to the heart of Sutherland for a stay in Cornmill Bunkhouse – a renovated former mill. Offering affordable and comfortable hostel accommodation for individuals and groups visiting the stunning Strathhalladale area, explore the moorland and Forsinard Flows Nature Reserve, see deer, eagle and all manner of wildlife, and experience a unique crofting lifestyle and landscape.
The bunkhouse sleeps up to 14 people in 2 rooms: the first room has 4 bunk beds (sleeps 8) the second has 3 bunk beds (sleeps 6). You can also add Laser Tag or Clay Pigeon Shooting to your stay.
Black Isle Hostel, Inverness
Based in the centre of Inverness, and just around the corner from the Black Isle Bar – perfect for a tasty Black Isle Brewery beer and homemade, wood-fired pizza, the hostel offers a range of dormitory and private rooms.
The Lazy Crofter Bunkhouse, Durness
Set amongst mighty mountains and coastal scenery, with beautiful beaches commanding spectacular views over the North Atlantic Ocean, this family run hostel offers a relaxed atmosphere and convenient location for travellers and eternal adventurers. The quality budget accommodation is ideal for groups, individuals or families.
The bunkhouse sleeps up to 20 people in a mix of shared dorms and two-man bunkhouses. It has a fully equipped kitchen, living room, free linen, piping hot showers and dry room, and bike storage.
Sanachan Bunkhouse, Kishorn
Located at the foot of the Bealach Na Ba in Wester Ross, the Sanachan Bunkhouse is the perfect base for your NC500 adventure. Explore local mountains, crags, lochs, beaches and all the wildlife that the Scottish Highlands has to offer. Enjoy a stay in the bunkhouse before you ascend the Bealach Na Ba on your bike, or get out on the water with a spot of paddle boarding.
With hand built comfortable beds for up to 15 people, the bunkhouse also offers piping hot showers, a kitchen with everything you need, a log burner and lounge to share stories and meet like-minded people, a fire pit in the summer months and a drying room for all your kit.
Inchnadamph Hostel, Inchnadamph
Explore one of the wildest areas in the Highlands at Inchnadamph, located in the heart of the dramatic hamlet of Assynt. Mountains, wildlife, fishing and geology are on the doorstep – and the spectacular beaches and cliffs of the coastline are just half an hour away. A wide diversity of birds, plants, animals can be found in the area, and nearby lochs are popular for trout fly fishing.
Shared hostel style rooms sleep between 6 to 8 people, the lodge also has excellent facilities including shared washrooms, a large kitchen and dining room plus a separate lounge. Self-service breakfast is included, as is all linen.
Kinlochewe Hotel’s Bunkhouse, Kinlochewe
Surrounded by breath taking scenery, nestled at the foot of Beinn Eighe in the heart of the Torridon Mountains and in close proximity to several Munros and Corbetts, this recently refurbished bunkhouse is popular with walkers, climbers and cyclists throughout the year looking for clean, simple, warm, budget-priced accommodation.
The comfortable bunks can sleep up to 12 people and individual lockers, pillows and pillowcases are provided. You’ll also find wifi throughout, showers, washbasins, toilets and a drying room, and can prepare your own meals in the fully equipped kitchen with large range cooker or dine in the hotel itself.
Sandra’s Backpackers, Thurso
Situated in a prime central location in Thurso, and within easy reach of local amenities, Sandra’s Backpackers is run to a high standard by the Carson family. The ideal location for surfing, walking and for getting to the Orkney Islands.
The hostel offers 4 rooms: 2 double rooms, 1 triple room and a 4-bed dormitory, free wifi throughout, a shared kitchen and lounge, luggage storage, laundry and is pet friendly.
Invershin Bunkhouse & Bar, Invershin
You will find Invershin on the beautiful Kyle of Sutherland in the heart of the NC500, just 5 minutes drive from the famous Fall of Shin where you can see the leaping salmon, and just across the water from Carbisdale Castle. The bunkhouse is a great base to explore the north, east and west coasts, whether you are looking for adventure or a quiet getaway.
The bunkhouse is quite unique, as its within the hotel, sleeping 10 in total in 4 rooms. 2 x twin and 2 x triple (bunkbeds) which share a shower and toilet. In the evening enjoy some great pub food in the traditional wee bar with real ales on tap, real fire and music sessions throughout the summer. Oh, and don’t forget to check out the tartan pool table!
Ledgowan Bunkhouse, Achnasheen
The Bunkhouse at Ledgowan Lodge is a small self-catering bunkhouse in Achnasheen, just under an hour’s drive from Inverness or a short walk from Achnasheen Railway Station. With some of the most spectacular scenery, mountains, lochs and plenty of wildlife, the bunkhouse is ideal for hill walkers who will have many Munros and Corbetts nearby to choose from.
Sleeping just 5 guests in 5 rooms, each guest has their own room with hand wash basin. There is a communal bathroom and kitchen as well as a dining area, and the bunkhouse is fully centrally heated so warm even in the cold wet winter months. Looking to dine out? Enjoy a meal in the lodge’s restaurant or lounge bar.
Hostelling Scotland
Hostelling Scotland is a not-for-profit charity with six hostels on the North Coast 500. The pride themselves on exceptional service, expert local knowledge and a warm welcome to all those with an adventurous spirit and who wish to experience the real Scotland, whether by car, bicycle or motorbike.
Located in a quiet neighbourhood a short walk from the city centre, Inverness Youth Hostel offers guests four star VisitScotland accredited hostel accommodation and is a popular choice for individual travellers, backpackers, families and groups looking to start or end their NC500 adventure.
Situated on the northern shore of Loch Gairloch, with magnificent sea and mountain views and easy access to fantastic sandy beaches, Gairloch Sands Youth Hostel is a great base for exploring the North West Highlands.
From its spectacular seafront location, Ullapool Youth Hostel offers wonderful, ever-changing views over Loch Broom and the Beinn Dearg mountain range.
Achmelvich Beach Youth Hostel sits beside a beautiful, sheltered white sandy beach, close to the iconic mountain of Suilven, and provides a relaxing base to explore miles of unspoilt coastline and discover quiet secluded beaches, crystal clear waters and abundant wildlife.
Surrounded by a wild and spectacular landscape, Durness Smoo Youth Hostel offers a true hostelling experience in simple, relaxed and welcoming accommodation.
Sitting at the head of Upper Loch Torridon, Torridon Youth Hostel is a popular base for hillwalkers, climbers and those simply wishing to relax and enjoy the surroundings and local wildlife.
