Hostels - of which there are hundreds to choose from in Scotland - offer an affordable way to experience the best of the country. When we asked you, our Scotsman readers, where you thought ‘the best hostel is in Scotland’ you offered back many answers that we’ve compiled into the following list of 11 beautiful Scottish hostels for backpackers.
5. Lochranza Youth Hostel
Lochranza Youth Hostel on the Isle of Arran is a renovated four-star hostel on the edge of Loch Ranza, opposite a 13th-century ruined castle in beautiful countryside. It offers excellent budget and group accommodation, but is also family friendly with private en-suite rooms, a spacious self-catering kitchen and laundry service available. The garden is a great spot to watch wildlife, including red deer, red squirrels, grey seals, otters and golden eagles. Arran has more on offer including off-road biking, pony-trekking, fishing, golfing and watersports. Photo: via Geograph
6. Cairngorm Lodge Youth Hostel
Cairngorm Lodge Youth Hostel is an old Scottish shooting lodge offering stunning views of the Northern Corries. It is just two miles from the Cairngorm mountain funicular and snowsports area, popular with outdoor enthusiasts, families and groups looking for budget accommodation. For something different visit the Reindeer Centre, where you can learn about and feed these friendly free-roaming animals. Dogs are welcome at Cairngorm Lodge Youth Hostel when guests book a private room. Photo: via Booking(.com)
7. Aviemore Youth Hostel
Aviemore Youth Hostel is situated in the heart of the Cairngorm National Park, a short walk from Aviemore town centre and an ideal location for outdoor activities. The path into the Craigellachie National Nature Reserve goes right past the door. Situated just nine miles from the Cairngorm mountain funicular and snowsports area, Aviemore Youth Hostel provides an ideal base for snowsports, hillwalking and climbing. Photo: via Booking(.com)
8. Glen Nevis Youth Hostel
Glen Nevis Youth Hostel is located in Fort William at the heart of the Outdoor Capital of the UK. Hosting hill walkers, climbers and backpackers at the foot of Britain’s Highest Mountain since 1933, it has a proven track record of providing quality budget accommodation for individuals, families and groups from around the world wishing to visit the Lochaber area. Photo: via Booking(.com)