Glen Affric
About About this youth hostel ....
A 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 wind turbine and solar panels provide warm water and electricity, while the comfortable common room and kitchen are heated by wood and coal fires.
The hostel has two private rooms, as well as comfortable dorm accommodation. Because of its remote location, provisions are limited and we ask guests to bring their own sleeping bags, torch, food, drink and appropriate clothing for the duration of their stay. There is a small hostel shop which sells soft drinks, juices, chocolate bars, healthy snacks, crisps and pouch meals.
There is no WiFi or mobile phone reception at the hostel.
The hostel is only accessible on foot or by mountain bike, so please plan ahead, take into consideration the weather conditions and allow plenty of time. Its unique location is the closest you’ll get to an alpine hut in Scotland and a great experience waits for anyone prepared to make the effort to visit.
PLEASE NOTE:
- Please check the availability calendar on this website before travelling to the hostel.
- Remember to be prepared - plan ahead, carefully decide the best route for you and always allow for the weather conditions.
- The hostel is situated on the Affric/Kintail Way, a long distance path which has occasional signposts. However, we recommend that you bring a good map, a compass and torch, along with appropriate clothing for often very changeable weather conditions.
- There is no refuse collection at the hostel, so anything you bring with you will need to leave with you!
The hostel is also available for exclusive private rental.
Why stay?
- One of a kind!
- Remote mountain location with stunning views
- Warm welcome and fantastic hospitality
For more information on the hostel, accessibility and the local area please click here
Glen Affric Youth Hostel
Facilities & Services
Season
April to September
Reception Hours
07:00 - 10:00 and 17:00 - 22:00
Check in
17:00 - 22:00
Check out
07:00 - 10:00
Access Hours
Our porch is available for shelter outside opening hours
Amenities
Private Rooms
Drying Room
Guest Reviews
23/09/2024
We had a great time helped by fantastic weather in the mountains for the full durationGuest Review
19/09/2024
A unique and most memorable stay, in a truly spectacular location. We were very lucky with the weather and were treated to a clear sky with full moon followed by a misty and sunny morning. The hostel is well equipped, comfortable and welcoming. Loved our stay and only wished we could have stayed longer.Julie Elias
18/09/2024
I have been Hostelling since I was 18/19 yrs old. Always wanted to stay at Glen Affric . Life gets in the way However fufilled a 50 year ambition last year for Loch Ossian & This year Glen Affric ??.Intend to be back to both & Hopefully introduce some Friends .Happy to share
18/09/2024
Brilliant place to stay definitely worth the walkHamish
14/09/2024
After a long day in the rain the Glen Affric YH was warm, friendly place to stay. Will definitely return.Guest Review
11/09/2024
Scott the warden was friendly, helpful and knowledgeableJohn
09/09/2024
Friendly welcome. Great atmosphere. Stunning location. Loads of books, games etcGuest Review
09/09/2024
Very friendly and helpful warden,ScottGuest Review
03/09/2024
The setting is amazing. Thanks for keeping up the work to offer an YH in such a special location.Guest Review
01/09/2024
fascinating place to stay. Great people to meet. Warm and welcoming during a rough spell of summer weather.Peter Davies
30/08/2024
Such a remote place and so different to be away from any connection to the outside world.Andrew
29/08/2024
Very peaceful and relaxingEastkilbo
27/08/2024
Great hostel, challenging hike from morvich but the views were worth it, would definitely recommend if you are looking to escape civilisation for a few daysCyrus
27/08/2024
amazing location away from everything! so good to be "off the net" and get chance to chat with all the amazing people visitting the hostelDave Lob
23/08/2024
Cosy port in a storm, spent hours drying off by the fire and reading after hiking each day. An incredible place with so much history. I can't wait to go back.Róis
21/08/2024
Fabulous.Nicky
19/08/2024
Just brilliantGuest Review
18/08/2024
Brilliant location. Warm and sheltered in a remote glen. Really nice warden and pleasant stay.Calum
17/08/2024
Lovely hostel, warm and dry, nice kitchen, hot shower, friendly staff, sweet and cosy interior and decor.Johnny
17/08/2024
Glen Affric Hostel is globally significant and special. Please preserve this unique gem. The location of this hostel makes it more safe and accessible to complete the glen affric trail coast to coast and also the munroes on it's doorstep. I took m daughters. Without this we may never have had this wonderful experience.Visitor
15/08/2024
Simon is an Excellent host most welcoming, very friendly, couldn't be more helpful the location is in an ideal position for Kintail way and the hills around this area, Godsend in atrocious weather.I was very impressed with facilities hot water, electricity and a nice fire to warm and dry you.The kitchen was very well stocked with utensils.Min
14/08/2024
Glen Affric was a great experience for my son and I. The remoteness and the stunning view outside made us feel at the end of the world. Thanks to Scot for his warm welcome.Unforgettable experience
12/08/2024
Thank you for continuing to keep the hostel going with such style.Charles & Jackie Taylor
08/08/2024
Scot was a great host. Wonderful to arrive to a fire and the kettle on. My 7 year old had a magical experience.C Lowder
07/08/2024
Great accommodation in a beautiful location. Warm, clean and friendly atmosphere. What a walk/cycle in and out from Glen Affric!Euan and Finlay
31/07/2024
The luxury of a bed for the night after a few nights up on the hills is a godsend. Maintaining a wee bit of midge-free off-grid accommodation available for a weary wanderer is brilliant: Massive thankyou to the National Trust for Scotland and Hostelling Scotland.Robin
30/07/2024
Stunning location, friendly warden and an interesting mix of guests. The highlight of my trip!Sarah
27/07/2024
Iconic simple but wonderful accommodation in fantastic location. Off grid, so great social interaction with varied and interesting fellow hostellers. Brilliant!Mike and Helen B
22/07/2024
Amazing location. Unique place to stay for one night or more if you want to do some local walks.Tom Provoost
17/07/2024
On arrival was greeted by Thomas who showed me round and made me extremely welcomed , explained where bed area was and discussed facilities available. A very pleasant experience all round@hikingwithmichael
Reasons to visit
Nestled amongst beautiful scenery, this former stalking bothy on the Glen Affric Estate is a haven for walkers and mountain bikers, nature lovers and those seeking solitude.
One for real outdoor enthusiasts, the hostel has 15 Munros on its doorstep and good tracks wind through the valleys for both walking and mountain biking.
The Falls of Glomach, a seven mile walk from the hostel, is well worth a visit.