Travel Inspiration!
Off the beaten track!
Get off the beaten track
I love exploring Scotland - it is such an incredibly beautiful country. But my favourite adventures have been on the 'routes less travelled' where the landscape is almost untouched, there's a peaceful feeling of isolation where you really feel like you're "getting away from it all", and each sight is special because you know only a small number of people have seen these awe inspiring places.
I'll never forget the feeling of remoteness when getting off the train at Corrour Station, the UK's highest and most remote train station, and walking towards the banks of Loch Ossian, surrounded by Munros on either side, to stay with Hostelling Scotland.
Hostelling Scotland have a great knack for having hostels in some of the best locations in the country. One of the best examples is the most remote hostel in the UK, found in Glen Affric, described as Scotland's most beautiful glen - that's some feat! It's in a wonderful location and is most commonly used as a stop over whilst walking the Affric Kintail Way or, like I did, to access the extremely remote mountains to the north of the hostel.
The hostels at Glenbrittle (literally the starting point to walk up Scotland's most westerly Munro found in the middle of the awesome Cuillin ridge on Skye) and Torridon (easily my favourite place to visit in Scotland) are also stand outs amongst Hostelling Scotland's locations.
If you don't want to queue to bag a summit or you would like to see a part of Scotland not many people have explored before you, these are the hostels for you.
Special thanks to: Ross Cunningham, Mountains Mend Minds
More remote hostels
Achmelvich Beach Youth Hostel
Achmelvich Beach, Scottish HighlandsSitting on the NC500, beside a beautiful, sheltered white sandy beach, this small and friendly hostel provides a relaxing base to explore miles of unspoilt coastline, secluded beaches and abundant...
Durness Smoo Youth Hostel
Durness Smoo, Scottish HighlandsSitting on the famous NC500, surrounded by a wild and spectacular landscape, Durness Smoo offers a refuge from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. A simple but welcoming base for exploring the...
Glen Affric Youth Hostel
Glen Affric, Scottish HighlandsA former stalking bothy on the Affric Estate, this friendly eco-hostel is unique, remote and offers a warm welcome and an unforgettable experience in one of the most beautiful glens in Scotland. A...
Glenbrittle Youth Hostel
Glenbrittle, Scottish HighlandsSet in rugged scenery at the foot of the Cuillin Ridge, this homely hostel has a long tradition as a base for walkers and climbers, offering a mix of accommodation from private rooms to...
Loch Ossian Youth Hostel
Loch Ossian, Scottish HighlandsPLEASE NOTE - There is no vehicle access to this hostel. Please leave your car at home! This traditional but homely eco-hostel hostel sits on the southern shore of Loch Ossian and is the perfect...
Kershader - Ravenspoint, Isle of Lewis
Kershader - Ravenspoint, Isle of Lewis, Scottish IslandsRavenspoint is a family-friendly hostel in the heart of South Lochs, an area defined by the crystal clear waters of Loch Erisort to the north and the rugged Harris hills to the south. Recently...
Torridon Youth Hostel
Torridon, Scottish HighlandsThis award winning youth hostel sits on the NC500 at the head of Upper Loch Torridon and is a popular base for hillwalkers, climbers and those simply wishing to relax and enjoy the surroundings and...
Gairloch Sands Youth Hostel
Gairloch Sands, Scottish HighlandsSitting on the northern shore of Loch Gairloch, with magnificent sea and mountain views and easy access to fantastic sandy beaches, this traditional lochside lodge is a great base for exploring the...
Berneray
Berneray, Scottish IslandsBerneray is a beautiful island with a small, friendly community of crofters and fishermen. This unique hostel, operated by the Gatliff Hebridean Hostels Trust, is a traditional thatched croft on...
Birsay
Birsay, Scottish IslandsBirsay Outdoor Centre is in a rural location, just outside Birsay, on the northwest coast of the Orkney mainland. The Centre offers comfortable accommodation, with new furniture, beds and...