Achmelvich Beach
About About this youth hostel
Sitting 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 wildlife.
The hostel offers three comfortable private rooms and spacious unisex/mixed dorms with private lockers. Other facilities include: a well-equipped self-catering kitchen, cosy lounge/dining area with wood burning stove, laundry and a small shop in reception selling basic provisions, soft drinks and snacks. There is no WiFi because of the hostel’s remote location.
Achmelvich Beach is a dog-friendly hostel. If you would like to book yourself and your dog into the hostel, please phone the hostel direct on +44 (0) 1571 844 480 to check availability. There is a small charge of £7.50 per night for your dog when staying in our hostels.
‘Wee Breakfast’ and 'Heat it and eat it' evening meals available (please remember to pre-book your breakfast).
The hostel is also available for exclusive private rental.
Paid parking is available at the nearby beach carpark.
Why stay?
- Award Winning Youth Hostel
- Unique, unspoilt location on the NC500
- Only 300m from one of the UK’s best beaches
- Friendly team with expert local knowledge
- Great for families and dog friendly

For more information on the hostel, accessibility and the local area please click here
Achmelvich Beach Youth Hostel
Facilities & Services
Season
April to September (RentaHostel available)
Reception Hours
08:00-10:00 and 17:00-22:00
Check in
17:00-22:00
Check out
08:00-10:00
Access Hours
Late check in available on request and by prior arrangement. The youth hostel is closed between 10:00 and 17:00.
Amenities
Laundry Room
Shopping Nearby
Private Rooms
Suitable for Groups
Family Rooms
Bike Store
Lounge/TV Room
Catering
Towel Hire
Secure Lockers
Pet Dogs Welcome
Guest Reviews
17/09/2025
A stop off to remember on a road trip around the highlands.JW
17/09/2025
We loved staying at Achmelvich on a long cycle trip on the west coast. Bikes were covered and tucked out the way. Heat and eat meal was very good. The staff team were very helpful. Great showers.Roy and Jill
15/09/2025
Spent 5 nights here and were very well looked after by James and Katherine. The Hostel is small and cosy located in a fabulous location from where to explore Assynt. A real gem with great staff. Thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Thanks.Ian S
10/09/2025
Wonderful stay. Stunning location. Peaceful and comfy hostel.Jimmy
02/09/2025
Stunning location with breathtaking views and a swim in the sea that I'll remember forever.Sian
24/08/2025
Excellent experience. Feel much the better for returning to Achmelvich.Andrew T
18/08/2025
5* from beginning to end. The weather plus scenery plus hostel facilities added up to a great trip experience.Chris
03/08/2025
The hostel is so small and that gives it its cozy and true family feeling.Judith
23/07/2025
Excellent experience at the well equipped hostel. Small and quiet with plenty of space. Warden Simon, was extremely welcoming and helpful.We had a very relaxing stay.Sandy
15/07/2025
Great experience, met some amazing like minded peopleChristine
05/07/2025
Amazing place to stayOla
05/07/2025
A gem in the hostel network ran by an efficient and passionate team who were knowledgeable and welcoming. However please add a drying room and bike shed which is crucial in this location.A & H
04/07/2025
As ever, a super-friendly hostel, in great surroundings, and a chance to meet fellow-travellers (we were cycling) and exchange tips and tales!Tim W
27/06/2025
Beautiful location close to the beach, a swimmers dream. Great hospitality from the staff and all the facilities you need on hand. Comfy, cozy and warm.Lucy
23/06/2025
Achmelvich Beach Youth Hostel is the perfect place to enjoy an amazing atmosphere surrounded by an exceptional beach and nature. The staff is very nice and helpful. The rooms are great as they provide nice privacy! Really one of the best Hostel in Scotland.Adria & Manuel
20/06/2025
I loved it, I only missed a reading light by the bed. Otherwise awesome :)Lena
19/06/2025
Just perfect for what I was looking for.Anita
16/06/2025
Small and friendlyJohn
16/06/2025
A wonderful 'getaway' location at the end of a West coast single-track road. The best of what the Highlands offers visitors (7 nationalities there on Saturday night - fascinating)Pablo
15/06/2025
It was more than we hoped for.AED
13/06/2025
Pure amazingGareth
11/06/2025
We would happily have paid for WiFi (not available at Achmelvich) and a drying room/cupboard would be good too. But like I said overall it's a great place to stayDavid and Liz
11/06/2025
Wonderful! Remote, quiet, quaint spot. Hiking available from hostel. Left with great memories.Yes
03/06/2025
Great location, friendly staff, confortable and clean accomodation!Celia
27/05/2025
Check in at 5 pm was.somewhat late.Very nice location.Clean rooms, clean bathrooms.Room heater , beddings all well. Hot water available in room.Dr Shreepad Bhagwat
27/05/2025
Wonderful location so close to a beautiful beach. I also liked the way the bunk room is split into smaller units with a bunk for two in each.Tony Bent
27/05/2025
Overall a brilliant stay , made very welcome by both Lauren and Stewart who both clearly excel at this location and are very customer focused. The hostel was spotless, though drying room would have been appreciated.Have visited this hostel many times but this was first time that I saw an otter with fish in mouth less than half a mile away.Alan
19/05/2025
ExcellentMary
05/05/2025
Brilliant ….the sun even came out on the evening!Yes
02/05/2025
A true hosteling experience.Bill
Reasons to visit
Located on the famous NC500 and just 300 metres from a legendary white sandy beach, Achmelvich Beach is the perfect starting point for stunning coastal and hill walks. The crystal clear waters also make it a great base for sea kayaking and snorkelling.
The Drumbeg Loop is a real driver's road, with spectacular drive with views. Single track with tight turns and blind bends it boasts some of the most beautiful, dramatic views you will ever see. A must-do and definitely one for the bucket list!
One of the more unusual local attractions is the 'Hermit's Castle'. This children's sized "castle" is hidden away over the headland from Achmelvich Bay, a 10-15 minute walk from Achmelvich Beach. The castle was built in the 1950s and, despite appearances, it's only just big enough to stand inside it. An unusual building in a very wild location.
There are a number of great local restaurants within easy reach including the world famous Lochinver Larder. The Caberfeidh Gastro Pub serves up amazing seafood dishes in an informal pub setting. From ludicrously good langoustines to enormous beer-battered cod goujons and grilled goat's cheese with red onion marmalade - ignore the rustic feel of the interior and enjoy local Scottish seafood at its best!
For wildlife enthusiasts, whale and dolphin watching boat trips leave from Lochinver.
With spectacular scenery, fine local produce and unforgettable sunsets, Achmelvich Beach is a truly memorable stay.
Discover the best things to do on a WoofHostelling beach holiday in Achmelvich


