Wanting to explore Scotland’s spectacular scenery, historic castles and legendary lochs on a budget? If you’re looking for an affordable way to discover the Highlands and Islands, a tour featuring hostel accommodation could be just the ticket!
Hostels offer a friendly, relaxed and sociable alternative to traditional hotels and guesthouses. They’re particularly popular with younger visitors, backpackers and solo travellers who want to meet new people while discovering Scotland.
From the dramatic views of the Isle of Skye to the mysterious waters of Loch Ness, Scotland has some wonderful hostels in unforgettable locations. Combine these with an organised multi-day tour, and you’ve got a great way to experience the very best of Scotland without stretching your travel budget.
What are Hostels?
Hostels offer budget-friendly accommodation where guests have access to shared facilities for sleeping, cooking and relaxing. In contrast to traditional hotels or B&Bs, where you usually book an entire bedroom, hostels provide individual beds in shared mixed-gender dorm rooms.
Most dormitories feature bunk beds, allowing several guests to share the same room. Depending on the property, dormitories may accommodate four, six, eight or more people.
One of the biggest attractions of staying in a hostel is the opportunity to meet fellow travellers. Shared kitchens, comfortable lounges and lively common rooms provide plenty of opportunities to exchange travel stories, make new friends and plan your next Highland adventure.
Meals, such as breakfast, aren’t included, but you can use the communal kitchen to prepare food bought from a local shop or bakery.
Why Choose a Scotland Tour with Hostel Accommodation?
Scotland’s Highlands and Islands are famous for their magnificent scenery, but finding affordable accommodation in popular destinations can sometimes be challenging, particularly during the summer months.
Choosing a multi-day tour with hostel accommodation offers an economical and convenient way to explore Scotland’s most celebrated attractions.
Affordable Adventures in the Scottish Highlands
One of the main advantages of hostel accommodation is its affordability. Shared dormitories cost considerably less than traditional B&B, guesthouse, or hotel rooms, helping keep the overall cost of your Scottish adventure down.
This makes hostel-based tours particularly attractive to students, backpackers, younger travellers and anyone who would rather spend their money on memorable experiences than expensive accommodation.
Meet Fellow Travellers from Around the World
A Highland adventure is even more enjoyable when you experience it with like-minded people.
Hostels cater to an international mix of visitors, providing a friendly atmosphere where lasting friendships often develop over an informal meal, a cup of tea or an evening discussing the day’s adventures.
For solo travellers, this sociable atmosphere is especially appealing. You’ll have opportunities to meet other guests at the hostel and spend time with your fellow tour passengers.
Enjoy a Relaxed and Informal Atmosphere
Forget formal hotel dining rooms and elaborate facilities. The hostel experience is generally much more relaxed.
After a day touring rugged mountains, historic castles and picturesque Highland villages, you could unwind in a communal lounge, prepare a simple meal or head out to discover the local pubs and restaurants.
It’s a wonderfully informal way to experience Scotland.
What to Expect When Staying in a Hostel in Scotland
If you’ve never stayed in a hostel before, you might be wondering what facilities are available and how everything works.
The good news is that Scotland has a well-established hostel network, with accommodation ranging from traditional backpacker hostels to comfortable modern properties in some spectacular locations.
Although facilities vary, most hostels provide everything you need for a comfortable overnight stay.
Dorm Rooms, Bunk Beds and Shared Bathrooms
Hostel accommodation on organised tours is generally based on shared dormitories, with several guests sleeping in the same room.
The most common room type is a mixed-gender dormitory, although some hostels also offer female-only or male-only rooms. A typical dormitory has several bunk beds, with each guest allocated their own bed.
Hostels provide pillows, duvets, and bed linen, so you usually don’t need to bring a sleeping bag. Shared bathrooms are common.
One thing to note is that you should also expect less personal space than you would find in a hotel or guesthouse.
Kitchens, Common Rooms and Other Facilities
One of the great advantages of staying in a hostel is access to communal facilities.
Most hostels have well-equipped self-catering kitchens, where guests can prepare breakfast, make packed lunches or cook an evening meal.
Common rooms provide a comfortable place to relax after a busy day of sightseeing. Some hostels also have games rooms, laundry facilities, Wi-Fi and secure storage for luggage.
Facilities vary between properties, so it’s worth checking the accommodation details before travelling.
Discover Scotland’s Highlands and Islands with Hostel Accommodation
One of the best ways to experience Scotland is on a multi-day tour that combines spectacular sightseeing with overnight stays in welcoming Highland hostels.
From Edinburgh, you can venture north into the Highlands, explore famous locations such as Glen Coe and Loch Ness, and discover the amazing beauty of the Isle of Skye.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy the company of fellow travellers while your driver-guide takes care of the journey.
Isle of Skye Hostel Accommodation
The Isle of Skye is one of Scotland’s most charming destinations, with lofty mountains, dramatic coastlines and picturesque villages.
Highlights include the mighty Cuillin Hills, the mysterious Fairy Pools, the Old Man of Storr and the spectacular scenery of the Trotternish Peninsula.
Most tours include hostel accommodation in Portree, the island’s main community, famed for its natural harbour surrounded by pastel-painted buildings.
Loch Ness Hostel Accommodation
Loch Ness is one of Scotland’s most famous destinations, surrounded by magnificent Highland scenery and steeped in the myth of its legendary monster, Nessie.
The picturesque village of Fort Augustus, at the southern end of Loch Ness, is a wonderful place to explore. Watch boats travelling along the Caledonian Canal, enjoy a cruise on the mysterious waters of Loch Ness or admire the spectacular Highland scenery.
Just a few minutes’ walk from the loch, Morag’s Lodge offers cosy, award-winning 4-star hostel accommodation in a peaceful woodland setting.
This welcoming Loch Ness Hostel has comfortable four and six-bed dormitories, as well as private rooms, with bed linen provided.
After a day exploring the Highlands, relax in the spacious lounge, cook in the self-catering kitchen, or enjoy a drink beside the roaring fire in the rustic bothy bar.
With its friendly atmosphere, excellent facilities and beautiful location, Morag’s Lodge is a great place to unwind and share your trip tales with fellow travellers.
What Should You Pack for a Hostel Tour of Scotland?
Packing for a hostel-based tour is simple, but a few useful items can make your stay more comfortable.
Power bank – keep your electrical items fully charged.
Earplugs – particularly useful when sharing a dormitory with other travellers.
A small padlock – handy for securing belongings in lockers where provided.
Flip-flops or shower sandals – useful for communal bathroom facilities.
A reusable water bottle – keep hydrated while touring the highlands.
A small daypack – for holding essentials during sightseeing stops.
Sensible shoes - good grips and waterproof are best.
Waterproof clothing – Scotland’s weather is famously unpredictable!
Most hostel tours have luggage restrictions, so check your booking information before packing.
Is a Hostel Option Right for You?
Hostel tours are an excellent choice for travellers who enjoy meeting people, exchanging experiences and exploring Scotland on a budget.
However, hostel accommodation isn’t for everyone. If you prefer a private bedroom, your own bathroom, and a quieter environment, the traditional B&B/Guest House option may be a better fit.
The important thing is choosing the type of accommodation that best suits your expectations and travel style.
Hostel FAQs
1. What are hostels, and how do they differ from hotels?
Hostels are affordable accommodation establishments where guests usually book individual beds in shared dormitories rather than private bedrooms. They generally provide communal facilities such as kitchens, lounges and bathrooms.
Unlike hotels, hostels emphasise shared spaces and a sociable atmosphere, making them a popular choice with backpackers and independent travellers.
2. Are hostels in Scotland suitable for solo travellers?
Yes, hostels are particularly popular with solo travellers. Shared dormitories, communal kitchens and social areas make it easy to meet people from around the world. Choosing the hostel option offers additional opportunities to make friends while exploring Scotland together.
3. Are hostel rooms mixed-gender?
The hostels featured in these tours offer mixed-gender dormitories, where male and female guests share the same sleeping accommodation.
4. Is breakfast included on hostel tours in Scotland?
No, breakfast (or any other meals) is not included in the tour cost.
Hostels have communal kitchens where you prepare your breakfast. Local cafés, bakeries, and shops are usually nearby, where you can purchase food.
5. What if I want a private room?
If you would prefer your own room with an en-suite bathroom, simply choose guest house accommodation. This is the standard offering on most tours and comes with breakfast.
Discover more about B&B/Guest House accommodation.
6. What attractions are included on a 3-day Isle of Skye tour?
A 3-day Isle of Skye tour from Edinburgh typically visits some of Scotland’s most spectacular attractions, including Glen Coe, Eilean Donan Castle and the famous Cuillin Hills.
On Skye, highlights include colourful Portree, the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock and the dramatic Trotternish Peninsula.
Depending on the itinerary you choose, you will have a two-night stay in either Portree (Isle of Skye) or Fort Augustus.
7. Is Fort Augustus on Loch Ness?
Yes, Fort Augustus is a picturesque Highland village at the southern end of Loch Ness, where the Caledonian Canal flows into the famous loch.
It’s a popular base for exploring the Scottish Highlands and visiting the Isle of Skye. The village offers scenic walks either along the banks of Loch Ness or on part of the Great Glen Way. In the evening, you can visit a local pub to enjoy something to eat for dinner, washed down with a craft beer or a nip of your favourite malt whisky.
8. What Scottish Tours offer the option of hostel accommodation?
Four tours offer the option of either a hostel or guest house stay. To book, select your preferred accommodation during the booking process from the drop-down menu.
See below for links to the tours that offer hostel accommodation.
Discover Scotland with Scottish Tours
From the magical Isle of Skye to the legendary waters of Loch Ness, Scotland is packed with unforgettable places just waiting for you to explore.
We offer four tours with the option of hostel accommodation:
3-days/2-nights
Isle of Skye and the Jacobite Steam Train
Loch Ness, The Fairy Pools and Isle of Skye
5-days/4-nights
Isle of Skye, Loch Ness and Inverness
Isle of Skye, Loch Ness and Inverness Winter Tour
Whether you’re travelling solo or with friends, a hostel-based tour could be the perfect introduction to Scotland.
Explore our Scotland tours and book today.
Photo credits: Morag's Lodge
| TOUR TIP: Isle of Skye, Loch Ness and Inverness 5 Days/4 Nights from Edinburgh |