Durness Smoo Youth Hostel
About About this youth hostel
On the North Coast 500 and surrounded by wild and spectacular landscape, Durness Smoo offers a relaxed and friendly base to explore the local area. From the youth hostel you can venture out to explore moorland, mountains, sea cliffs, beaches and waterfalls. A refuge from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, John Lennon holidayed in Durness for many years.
The hostel offers both shared and private accommodation, a well-equipped self-catering kitchen, drying room and cosy lounge heated by a coal-burning stove.
Local attractions include the famous Smoo Cave (situated next to the youth hostel) Cape Wrath, Handa Island and Balnakeil Craft Village (only a short distance away). Hill walkers will love Foinaven, Ben Hope, Ben Loyal and Cranstackie and, for those wishing simply to relax, Balnakeil Beach and Faraid Head are beautiful sandy beaches with large sand dunes waiting to be explored.
With dog friendly accommodation available, your four-legged friend will be able to join in on all the fun! A small fee of five pounds per dog per night will be charged and must be booked in advance to ensure that a dog friendly room is allocated. For further information please refer to our Dog Guidelines
We're on the North Coast 500 driving route! Click here to find out how you can enjoy 10% off car hire
Durness Smoo Youth Hostel
Facilities & Services
Season
April - September (RentaHostel available all year)
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
There is no daytime access to the youth hostel between 10:00 - 17:00.
Amenities
Free Wifi
Private Rooms Available
Family Rooms Available
Self Catering Kitchen
Alcohol Licence
Laundry Room
Towel Hire Available
Drying Room
Secure Lockers
Luggage Store
Bike Store
Pet Dogs Welcome
Catering Available (Breakfast Only)
Access with limited mobility
Free Parking (nearby or onsite)
Complimentary Tea and Coffee available in Self Catering Kitchen
Guest Reviews
06/06/18
Recommended this place to stay
Robert H
20/06/18
Managers friendly and helpful. Access to the hostel during the day possible, especially important in bad weather.
Bob
22/06/18
We arrived late after a tough day of cycling, to be given a fantastic warm welcome. James could not have looked after us better.
Matthew Allen
24/06/18
Staff were very friendly and helpful, value for money was fantastic, had a really good stay. I think the current set up is the absolute best that can be done with the current facilities as they are, and I think the staff and hostel are ace! Make sure you check out Smoo Cave and take a tour of you can - it was the highlight of my trip!
MJ
30/06/18
Great hostel, friendly staff!
Laura
01/07/18
Smoo Hostel is well situated to some amazing places to visit. Some sites with millions of wild flowers, including rare plants. All within a few miles of the hostel.Allow plenty of time to get there, driving is slow. Allow plenty of time to get there, as you pass some fantastic views. Allow plenty of time to stay at Smoo as there are so many places to visit.
David Rogers
07/07/18
Tam was very helpful and accommodating before we even arrived in helping us to book a private room to stay in with our dog. Check in was quick and easy, we were told everything we needed to know and shown around. Location was absolutely perfect and secluded while being right next to the Smoo Caves.
Jenny
14/07/18
Very friendly welcome, facilities were good for the price. I got all I needed to have a comfortable stay.
Rob
20/07/18
Met some really interesting folk, superb location, James was very helpful, very hospitable & welcoming, thoroughly enjoyed my two nights, would go again. Just don't change it too much, it's unique in so many ways, perfect!
Chris Armishaw
We're on the North Coast 500 driving route! Click here to find out how you can enjoy 10% off car hire
">Reasons to visit
Located on the North Coast 500 and surrounded by wild and spectacular landscape, Durness Smoo offers a relaxed and friendly base to explore the local area from mountains to sea cliffs, beaches and waterfalls. On a clear night the starry skies are incredible, made even more memorable if you're lucky enough to catch the Northern Lights.
With its rocky coastline, turquoise waters and sweeping golden sands, Durness Beach is a perfect example of the spectacular scenery you will find in the North West Highlands.
With three huge chambers and a 20 metre high waterfall through its heart, Smoo Cave is Britain’s biggest sea cave and a marvellous sight. Legend even has it that the cave is home to the spirits who guard the entrance to the netherworld. Explore the mystical cave before stretching your legs on the Smoo Cave and Bhlar Duibhe walk, an enjoyable circular route through open moorland and a popular choice with birdwatchers.
From wildlife to natural wonders and ancient history, Durness captures Scotland at its best!
