Glen Affric Youth Hostel
About About this youth hostel
A finalist in TGO Magazine’s Hostel or Bunkhouse of the Year 2018, Glen Affric Youth Hostel is unique and remote.
A former stalking bothy on the Affric Estate, this friendly eco-hostel 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 shared accommodation. Because of its remote location, provisions are limited and we ask guests to bring their own sleeping bags, food, drink and appropriate clothing for the duration of their stay. There’s no WiFi at the hostel and mobile phone reception is extremely limited.
The hostel is only accessible on foot or by mountain bike, so please allow at least 3-4 hours to walk there. 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:
- There are no signs to the hostel so a good map, compass, torch and appropriate clothing are essential.
- There is no refuse collection, so anything you bring with you will need to leave with you.
The hostel is also available for exclusive private rental.
Hostellers Love
- One of a kind!
- A warm welcome and fantastic hospitality
- Unique and remote mountain location with stunning views
- Warm and cosy
Glen Affric Youth Hostel
Facilities & Services
Season
April - September
Reception Hours
07:00 - 10:30 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 Available
Drying Room
Guest Reviews
23/09/18
A great location, a warm welcome and a dry pair of boots. Fantastic. Would recommend to any hiker exploring the Scottish wilderness.Richard
23/09/18
Fantastic. We received a warm and thoroughly professional welcome from the hostel manager: it really brightened us up after a tough long day in the hills in wild weather. The hostel was clean, warm and well-run. It was unexpected and great to be able to dry our wet gear by the fire. The separate dorm building was clean and comfortable. Thanks very much!Jonathan Smith
18/09/18
a magnificant place, a wonderful host (Graeme), who was very interesting to talk with, very friendly, very helpful, nice tea, no Wifi (which was brilliant), sitting at the table with a cup of tea and playing chess, sitting in front of the warming oven and talking about us while storm and rain have to stay outside - I won't forget this placeStefan
18/09/18
Amazing location, Hannah was so friendly and helpful. Lovely roaring fire and good kitchen and communal facilities. Better signage from Cluanie approach to stile over deer fence would be helpful.Glesleymusa@gmail.com
18/09/18
Superb hostel in a fantastic and remote location, just be aware that due to this it does have a few less ammenities than other hostels (no wifi/laundry obviously); the shortest walk to the hostel is from Cluanie Inn at 6.8miles. Great place to get away from it all and tackle some of the more remote Munros. Other guests were very friendly and the manager Graham was very pleasant and happy to help anyone that had any queries/questions; always asking if everyone had everything they need.Tomos Jones
17/09/18
Hannah who was in charge welcomed us by giving us hot drinks and lovely scones and jam. There was a welcoming fire and the place was cosy. Hannah made our stay for us as she was friendly and made us feel at home.Wilma
17/09/18
Great location for solitude. Hana, the warden, could not have been more helpful. She has great local knowledge, had tea and scones ready for our return from the Munro's. What an angel.Huckle
16/09/18
First stay in a YH and loved the experience. Hannah our host was fabulous and extremely attentive ensuring everyone who was staying was well looked after. Couldn't fault the service and cleanliness. The facilities are basic but more than adequate for outdoor enthusiasts so be aware if you book. Not 5* luxury.James & Lynda
14/09/18
Very welcoming, knowledgeable and friendly warden at the hostel which is in excellent location for walking. Facilities are comfortable and good considering it's position. Am already planning a return next year.Colin Beverley
08/09/18
This is a remote and totally unique hostel with great facilities despite its location! it is well worth the effort of walking in!Colin
08/09/18
I arrived on 6 September after cycling with an e bike from Affric car park. I was greeted by Graham the warden who could not have been more helpful. He even re charged my bike battery with power supplied by an enviromentally friendly wind turbine. 2 stoves kept the hostel really cosy and allowd drying of wet boots and clothes.The atmosphere was congenial and other hostellers were friendly and knowlegableFull marks for graham the wardenColin
05/09/18
Stunning location for those fit to get there. We cycled/walked which took 2 hours. I am not a competent cyclist and found areas challenging but overall glad we took bikes. For location it certainly has the Wow! factor knowing it is the least accessible and possibly remotest hostel in Scotland. For this alone what facilities are there is quite remarkable.NO
02/09/18
Feel the atmospherewim
31/07/18
This is one of the absolute best hostels i have stayed at in a long while. My partner and i loved the remote walk in location and the hostel itself was so lovely, comfortable and friendly to arrive at after out walk in. Would highly recommend!Emily
23/07/18
This is a very special place, and well worth the effort to come and stay in such a beautiful location.Malcolm
09/07/18
Blankets are provided. There's no need to carry in more than a sleeping bag inner sheet in warm weather.The track from the east is hard work even on a mountain bike. It's only marginally quicker than walking - a lot of fun though!David
07/07/18
You have not experienced hosteling in the true sense until you have visited this delightful hostel in an amazing location. The atmosphere generated by the approach to the building and then discovering the wood panelling and welcoming wood burner make this a real heritage hostel, that comes with the advantage of a hot shower. The position is perfect for walking up Sgurr nan Ceatreamhnan and other mountains. We will return.PBP
11/06/18
Hanne keeps a very clean and well organised hostel. The welcome cuppa after the cycle in was much appreciated, she really goes the extra mile to make everyone comfortable. Ensuring plenty hot water for showers and source to dry clothes. Comfy beds and pillows, which we needed after or Munro bagging days. Thoroughly recommend a visit here.Kay
11/06/18
An oasis of welcoming comfort in the heart of a remote but very beautiful glen. A great stop off point on the Affric Kintail way and base for climbing a few remote Munros. No Fridges there so freeze your tinnies the night before you go so they will still be cold when you arrive.Neil Hardy
05/06/18
This remote hostel is most unusual for the UK, more like an alpine hut than a typical hostel. The 8 miles plus walk to it is more than worth it. The wardens could not do more to help you and being a small hostel they have more time for each individual. The small kitchen and dining room is ideal to socialise with other visitors. Passers by are welcome to drop in for tea or coffee. The facilities are fantastic, given that its location is so remote. A super place to stay a couple of days.Nigel
29/05/18
We had such a special long weekend at Alltbeithe. Fantastic weather, superb walking, great company and the warmest of welcomes by the relief warden Graeme who looked after everyone so well. Thank you for a magical experienceGillian
30/09/17
Affric Kintail way and Trees for Life.Ajp
21/09/17
A wonderful remote location amongst magnificent glens and mountains. The hostel ticks the boxes in providing comfort, facilities for the adventurer and a warm welcome. If cycling hybrid tyres struggle on the track rocks and pebbles-mountain treads recommended.Jim
18/09/17
Any negative points I have about this hostel are cancelled out by Hanna's great hospitality- she did her best to accommodate where she could and always had a roaring fire which was very welcome given there was no heating in the dorms.Lone traveller
10/09/17
This hostel is ideally situated and provides excellent facilities. The warden that night, Steve, worked hard to ensure everyone knew how things worked and he contributed greatly to the lively friendly atmosphere. My one very minor comment is that the range of soft drinks and chocolates could be more suitable for carrying next day. Bottled high energy drinks rather than cans of coke.JohnRitchie
08/09/17
Take plenty food . Midge Net etc ..Bob
21/08/17
This hostel is in a stunning and remote location - not for the feint hearted. If you are prepared for a long walk in with your bag you will be welcomed with tea and hot showers??Vicky
21/08/17
Thank you so much to both Steven and Hanne (we had one day/night with each) - such warm and welcoming hosts who helped make for a lovely stay in Glen Affric. A very cosy room and a much better provisioned hostel than we were expecting (and thanks to Hanne for the sound advice about taking the long route back to Morvich in the rain - we had a good deal of tricky fording to do even avoiding the pass).D&A
20/08/17
Highly recommend.Karen
14/08/17
Fantastic hostel in a spectacular location. We arrived just before half past five after walking from the Loch Affric car park. What a great welcome - scones and a big pot of tea. The level of facilities is just right - no wifi but in the common room there are plenty of board games or books to read if you prefer. The private rooms are really nice with character. I will definitely be back.the1andytheman
A former stalking bothy on the Affric Estate, this friendly eco-hostel 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 shared accommodation. Because of its remote location, provisions are limited and we ask guests to bring their own sleeping bags, food, drink and appropriate clothing for the duration of their stay. There’s no WiFi at the hostel and mobile phone reception is extremely limited.
The hostel is only accessible on foot or by mountain bike, so please allow at least 3-4 hours to walk there. 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:
- There are no signs to the hostel so a good map, compass, torch and appropriate clothing are essential.
- There is no refuse collection, so anything you bring with you will need to leave with you.
The hostel is also available for exclusive private rental.
Hostellers Love
- One of a kind!
- A warm welcome and fantastic hospitality
- Unique and remote mountain location with stunning views
- Warm and cosy
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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.
