Cairngorm Lodge Youth Hostel
About About this youth hostel
Unfortunately due to social distancing restrictions we are unable to open our self-catering kitchens for the time being. We will continuously review this and open these facilities as soon as we can do so safely. For more information on what to expect when staying with us please visit the FAQ's section of this website.
As you’ll appreciate, advice on Covid-19 is constantly changing and we would ask all guests to refer to Scottish Government guidelines and Transport Scotland advice on travel and social distancing before making their booking.
Cairngorm Lodge Youth Hostel is a former shooting lodge in the heart of Cairngorms National Park, seven miles from Aviemore with stunning views towards the Northern Corries.
Recently refurbished, this hostel offers a range of comfortable private rooms and spacious shared accommodation with separate washrooms. Guests can opt for a continental breakfast, lunch or evening meal served in the dining room (please remember to pre-book), or take advantage of the large, well-equipped self-catering kitchen.
The hostel is licensed so why not relax and enjoy a locally brewed beer or a glass of wine in the cosy lounge while taking in the view across the Cairngorms. Other facilities include a pool table, laundry, drying room and secure bike store. Basic provisions, confectionery and soft drinks are available to purchase at reception.
Due to the hostel’s remote location, WiFi is free but access is limited.
Local activities include hillwalking, climbing, snowsports, mountain biking, pony trekking, watersports and fishing. Most activities take place on the Rothiemurchus Estate, a fabulous area with many easy paths through the Caledonian Pine Forest. The Scottish Whisky Trail is also nearby and, for something different, visit the Reindeer Centre, where you can feed and learn about these friendly free-roaming animals.
The hostel sits across the road from the banks of Loch Morlich, which boasts the highest sandy beach
in the UK.
Cairngorm Lodge 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) 1479 861 238 to check availability. There is a small charge of £5 per night for your dog when staying in our hostels.
Please note: Dogs are allowed in the common room/lounge
The hostel is also available for exclusive private rental.
For information on hostel accessibility please click here
We’re committed to delivering the highest levels of cleanliness. To find out more about our Cleanliness Commitment please click here.
Book with Confidence. To find out more about our Covid-19 Flexibility Guarantee, please click here.
Why stay?
- Fantastic location in the Cairngorm National Park
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Great food
- Secure lockers and Luggage Store
- Private rooms available
Cairngorm Lodge Youth Hostel
Facilities & Services
Season
January to October (RentaHostel available all year)
Reception Hours
07:00-10:00 and 17:00-22:30 (23:00 at weekends)
Check in
17:00 - 22.30
Check out
07.00 - 10:00
Access Hours
Late arrival is by pre-arrangement only
Amenities
Pet Dogs Welcome
Free Wifi
Private Rooms
Family Rooms
Suitable for Groups
Lounge Area
Cafe
Alcohol Licence
Laundry Room
Drying Room
Shopping Nearby
Pool Table
Secure Lockers
Luggage Store
Bike Store
Access with limited mobility
Suitable for wheelchair users with assistance
Free Parking (nearby or onsite)
Catering Available (Full Meal Service)
Free Tea and Coffee in Guest Kitchen
Guest Reviews
13/06/21
Great staff and super atmosphere. Great to be back hostelling. I will do lots more.Struan
10/06/21
Lovely spot and ideal for starting your walks particularly if you haven't got a car. We stayed 6 days and there was enough choice of meals. The bathroom was very good, shower excellent. The people/staff were very friendly and seemed to work very hard to keep the place running well and clean. We could have paid more for packed lunch and had more variety.Steve and Tricia
07/06/21
What a wonderful hostel! The staff were so friendly, the food was absolutely delicious plus great value, and the setting next to Loch Morlich absolutely stunning. Could not have found a more perfect base from which to set off on our hike through the Cairngorm mountains. Would have given 10 stars if possible!Adam P
01/06/21
I have been to Cairngorm Lodge YH many times and the refurbishment (new toilet/shower facilities), new flooring are excellent. I always enjoy my stay here as the location is just perfect.I was made very welcome on arrival and check-in was smooth and efficient. Evening meal and wee breakfast were very good and great value. All staff were very helpful and pleasant. Covid-19 arrangements were being managed well.Barbara
15/10/20
Even with the CoVid19- routine we missed nothing. The rooms were comfortable and clean, as were the private bathrooms. We could help ourselves to tea or coffee at the lobby and had a private table at the eating area. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Last but not least the location is stunning next to Loch Morlich. We recommend the cosy Pine Marten Bar for dinner nearby. We will be back. :-)Chris & Sylvio
08/10/20
Given that we are all living with extensive Covid-19 restrictions, it is great that the hostel is open at all. We were warmly welcomed and given great instructions for our stay. Really enjoyed everything about it. It's not SYHA fault that some of the facilities are not available but we had a recommendation to go to the nearby bar for a meal which we really enjoyed. Well done Cairngorm Lodge and SYHA.Christine
24/09/20
The only reason it's not 5 stars all the way is because of the Covid situation and the lack of facilities due to it. Usually with kitchen and drying room etc it would be 5 stars for all. The new bathroom renovations are great! And the staff were superb and well organised as always.I feel that perhaps the room pricing should have been slightly cheaper to reflect the limited facilities.I look forward to a return to normality at some point soon and the full five star reviews that will follow.Russell.
23/09/20
The lodge is ideally suited for experiencing the avimore area. I have one downgraded the atmosphere because due to COVID no one was socialising ( quite rightly) so there was no normal banter and meeting people which is an enjoyable part of hostelling. The staff were very welcoming .Vic Galpin
13/09/20
Really friendly and helpful. Great to have the Pine Marten cafe at the bottom of the drive, too.Paul
13/09/20
This visit was during Covid social distancing restrictions so the kitchen was unavailable. We appreciated having a personal table available in the dining room where we could eat "picnic" food and prepare lunches. Also the availability of hot water for hot drinks was good. The staff were very helpful and welcoming as usual.Anne
13/09/20
Absolutely delighted with the accommodation, very clean and the added bonus of individual (newly installed) private toilet and shower room was a welcome bonus. I would definitely stay at this hostel gain. 100%Derick
13/09/20
An ideal place to explore the northern part of The Cairngorms.Pity about the Covid restrictions but completely understand them - good to be back.jimc
09/09/20
Lovely YH and perfect for our needs. Even during C19 the restrictions didn't hamper our stay at all. We cycled to the YH and put the bikes in a handy secure shed. Food across in the pine Martin bar was good, although it did cater to the vegie a little more there was some decent meat meals. My only complaint about the the experience was the bus service into and back from town. Someone needs to get a grip of the irregular timings??! Otherwise brilliant!!Arran Ellis
08/09/20
Fantastic stay. Staff were extremely helpful and flexible with our requests. Very impressed overall given the restricted use of facilities due to covid 19.Mark S
06/09/20
My husband and I stayed for 2 nights in September so we could do some walking. Brilliant location. We felt that the SYHA and their staff were very organised with Covid safety and we were happy to stay. Obviously it was inconvenient without a kitchen and a comfortable seating area but felt that a bathroom and a dining table for our sole use was a good compromise.Anne
06/09/20
The hostel has been beautifully modernised. The bedrooms and particularly the bathrooms were really clean and well equipped. Meals were temporarily not available but dining facilities and free tea, coffee and hot water were provided, which was kind and helpful. The staff were friendly and helpful and the car park was close to the building.Bill
04/09/20
Hi, thank you for doing a such great work in this crazy time. We will keep a good memory of our stay with you. All was good. We also appreciate to have a dedicated table in the dining area, it was very welcome on this time. Excellent. I will highly recommend this place to my friends and it is so great to be so close to the beach :) I wish you all the best.Catherine
02/09/20
Very friendly staff on arrival, room was good, and bathroom very big and clean. The location is brilliant, great place to eat opposite, and went to see the Reindeer which was lovely!Abi T
31/08/20
Excellent friendly staff, perfect location, smart bathrooms, on site parking and dog friendly!Stephanie Coombs
30/08/20
It was the first time I had stayed in a youth hostel and I was pleasantly surprised! The hostel was modern and stylish, the beds were comfortable, bathroom and showers were modern, hot showers. Tea/coffee was in plentiful supply. Overall the hostel was spotlessly clean and the staff, although very busy, were helpful and friendly. I won't hesitate to stay again! Thank you very much.Jools Davis
29/08/20
Under the current difficult conditions, everything was as good as could be. I was very impressed. Staff very helpful and patient. Not all facilities were available, e.g. drying room, kitchen but that is understandable and compromises accepted.thank you for a very pleasant and comfortable stay.Cris
26/08/20
We enjoyed our stay & will recommend it to families with young children. Hostel is walking distance to Loch Morlich and perfect for evening walks. It is a safe environment. Private rooms/bathrooms were clean. Staff were both responsive and very helpful. Guests were cognisant of others and it was quiet. Overall a good experience.Gurvinder
25/08/20
Friendly welcoming hostel in great location with views across to Cairgorms. Spacious, clean and comfortable.Dean
21/10/19
The staff, especially Caroline and Susan were so welcoming and helpful. The team set a lovely atmosphere. The chefs food was delicious and we'll definitely book again. Thank you!Lauren King
21/10/19
I had the pleasure of staying in Cairngorm Lodge for 2 nights with a youth group, and everyone of us loved it! The service is second to none, rooms are exceptional and very comfortable, the food is outstanding, and the staff are excellent - I can't find fault with anything. We look forward to returning, and can't rate the hostel high enough. Massive thank you to all the staff for going above and beyond what is expected, and for providing a memorable expereince. Best wishes, TEAM RYA!Mark Nitkowski
20/10/19
Maraviwonderful!Carlos Coquinho Pereira Nunes
10/10/19
Cairngorm Lodge was a fabulous venue for our school to take a small group of young people (10).These young people have a variety of additional needs and the facilities and environment suited our needs perfectly.Staff were very pleasant and helpful.The catering was of a high standard and the pupils were able to eat well over our stay.There was also a willingness of hostel staff to adapt to support our group and it would be fair to say that nothing was too much trouble.No
09/10/19
Caroline and her team were incredibly welcoming and helpful. They have created a warm and positive atmosphere. Well done to them!Jon S
08/10/19
Lovely hostel. Interesting building, beautiful location. A hostel in the forest. Friendly and always helpful staff. Very clean.Always look forward to staying here. Easy access to the mountains and the beautiful Loch Morlich is across the road. Bus stop across the road for buses to Cairngorm and to Aviemore. Excellent food in the hostel.christine
07/10/19
Cracking location, the staff were all very friendly and helpful, food and accommodation really good value. Will be back, group of 16 of us in the area for MTB weekend.Bruce McBoab
As you’ll appreciate, advice on Covid-19 is constantly changing and we would ask all guests to refer to Scottish Government guidelines and Transport Scotland advice on travel and social distancing before making their booking.
Cairngorm Lodge Youth Hostel is a former shooting lodge in the heart of Cairngorms National Park, seven miles from Aviemore with stunning views towards the Northern Corries.
Recently refurbished, this hostel offers a range of comfortable private rooms and spacious shared accommodation with separate washrooms. Guests can opt for a continental breakfast, lunch or evening meal served in the dining room (please remember to pre-book), or take advantage of the large, well-equipped self-catering kitchen.
The hostel is licensed so why not relax and enjoy a locally brewed beer or a glass of wine in the cosy lounge while taking in the view across the Cairngorms. Other facilities include a pool table, laundry, drying room and secure bike store. Basic provisions, confectionery and soft drinks are available to purchase at reception.
Due to the hostel’s remote location, WiFi is free but access is limited.
Local activities include hillwalking, climbing, snowsports, mountain biking, pony trekking, watersports and fishing. Most activities take place on the Rothiemurchus Estate, a fabulous area with many easy paths through the Caledonian Pine Forest. The Scottish Whisky Trail is also nearby and, for something different, visit the Reindeer Centre, where you can feed and learn about these friendly free-roaming animals.
The hostel sits across the road from the banks of Loch Morlich, which boasts the highest sandy beach
in the UK.
Cairngorm Lodge 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) 1479 861 238 to check availability. There is a small charge of £5 per night for your dog when staying in our hostels.
Please note: Dogs are allowed in the common room/lounge
The hostel is also available for exclusive private rental.
For information on hostel accessibility please click here
We’re committed to delivering the highest levels of cleanliness. To find out more about our Cleanliness Commitment please click here.
Book with Confidence. To find out more about our Covid-19 Flexibility Guarantee, please click here.
Why stay?
- Fantastic location in the Cairngorm National Park
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Great food
- Secure lockers and Luggage Store
- Private rooms available
Reasons to visit
Cairngorm Lodge Youth Hostel sits within the Cairngorms National Park, voted one of the top 20 places to visit in the world by National Geographic Traveller Magazine. The park, in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, has something for everyone - from castles and distilleries to family attractions, water and snowsports, wildlife watching, and some incredible high and low level walking and cycling routes.
Visit the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd, sample a craft beer at the Cairngorm Brewery, discover Loch Morlich and the highest sandy beach in Britain and explore the Craigellachie National Nature Reserve.
Cairngorm Lodge is the perfect location for families, groups and individuals looking to take advantage of this natural playground.
