Loch Ossian Youth Hostel
About About this youth hostel
Sitting on the southern shore of Loch Ossian, this traditional but homely eco-hostel makes a perfect base for hillwalkers looking to explore the remote wilderness of Rannoch Moor.
Accommodation at the hostel is in male and female specific dorms, but groups and families have the option of booking a dorm for exclusive use. The hostel has a fully equipped self-catering kitchen, with fridge, and a small shop selling ready meals, a range of snacks, postcards and sundries. Drying is available on two overhead racks and boot stands by the fire - the perfect place to relax after a day on the hills.
Guests can now enjoy a welcome hot shower, thanks to the development of locally sourced hydro power complimenting the micro generated solar power supply. There’s also electric panel heating throughout and all bed linen is provided, so no need for sleep sheets or sleeping bags. Other green initiatives include composting toilets, a reed bed grey water drainage system - and even bat-friendly paint!
Loch Ossian Youth Hostel is only accessible by rail, bike or foot. Corrour railway station (Glasgow to Fort William line) is the highest mainline railway station in the UK and the hostel is a short, approximately 20 minute walk from the station along a well-made track.
Loch Ossian Youth Hostel is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking to get away from it all. It has plenty of low and high level walks to choose from, including a variety of Munros and Corbetts. Popular with cyclists, star gazers, wildlife watchers, groups and families, it’s a great venue for a group getaway, or a peaceful break.
In extreme weather the hostel normally remains open during the day.
The hostel is also available for exclusive private rental.
Hostellers Love...
Friendly, knowledgeable staff
Beautiful loch side setting with stunning views
Warm and welcoming atmosphere
Regular visits from local deer
Loch Ossian Youth Hostel
Facilities & Services
Season
Open all year
Reception Hours
Open until 22:00
Check in
16:30 - 22:30
Check out
07:00 - 10:00
Access Hours
The youth hostel is closed between 10:00 - 16:30. Please note, the hostel is only accessible by rail, bike or foot.
Amenities
Self Catering Kitchen
Bike Store
Guest Reviews
12/01/19
Thanks, Jan was so helpful and lovelyNo
09/01/19
Beautiful place. Nice people. Helpful warden. I rest my case.the dude
07/01/19
Jan made us so welcome & helped with travel problems . Lovely homely wee place in perfect location.Wendy
19/12/18
Amazing place that I'm really glad we made the effort to get to. One night was not enough, I wish we had time to stay longer!Ellie
10/12/18
An amazing hostel in an incredible location. A great base for climbing the local mountains. A warm, cosy place to rest in front of the fire after along day out in the hills. Jan (the warden) is great, really friendly and very helpful. I will definitely be visiting again.R
05/12/18
This hostel really is something special, right on the loch and great views all around, despite the poor weather. Jan was very welcoming, checking to make sure everyone was all ok! A lovely warm fire lit and already warming up the great seating area after arriving back from a walk. Fab to sit at the window and watch the beautiful stag outside....he really is magnificent! I would love to come back to experience the hostel in the summer.Becky
03/12/18
An experience like no other. I was pleasantly surprised to see a microwave, a hot water boiler and USB ports, which weren't there the last time I stayed.Richard H
27/11/18
The bestJgs
24/11/18
Wonderful facility, wonderful location, wonderful manageress.James Hill
23/11/18
Arrived on a cold sleety day after cycling over from Rannoch.The hostel was nestled in a beautiful loch side location. Jan, the warden was most helpful and welcoming. Soon a cosy log burner was lit and my wet clothes were hanging up on the pulley.The hostel was scrupulously clean and well equipped. The bedding pack was laid out and I was the only male staying that night.That night I was entertained by the presence of a large stag around the building.10/10Colin
19/11/18
Great stay. Thanks to Jan at the hostel for her welcome and kindness.John Sturgeon
10/11/18
A hostel like no other. Its size means 'getting up close' with other hostelers which in our experience added to our stay. There is the option of eating at the Station House which adds even more to this unique experience. The hostel is extremely well run being in such an isolated situation. We were also treated to a visit from Charlie the Hostel StagBillandfiona
09/11/18
Having stayed here several times it is always a pleasure to return to this small friendly and welcoming oasis in wild remote surroundings. In my view one of the very best hostels in Scotland.ColinC
03/11/18
Wonderful location. Friendly and welcoming warden. Very comfortable upgrade to the building interior.cremrow
30/10/18
Wonderful location and considering the remoteness the level of facilities were far beyond my expectations.PhilR
28/10/18
Catriona the warden made us especially welcome . Such personalities make all the difference to a visit - she was professional but friendly at the same time !Tansy
26/10/18
Great remote place to stay between two days of Corbett bagging. Warm and comfortable, and a friendly welcome. Almost a shame to find a phone signal in such a location!David
22/10/18
Perfect location. Wonderful warden and great facilities. Excellent base for walking or just chilling out. Very good restaurant up at the station now.Kalie
20/10/18
Jan, Hostel Manager, adds to the wonder of Ossian. Always responding to previsit info, then emailing to warn of possible rail disruption. Her huge welcoming smile is a joy. She's part of what makes the place unique. Thank you Jan xRob Mitchell, Whitby
19/10/18
Amazing location with great access to the mountains. Beautiful and well maintained building. Jan who runs the hostel is a delight.Shaken007
14/10/18
It was glorious to get away from everything except good conversation with interesting travelers. I loved being in a remote location where everyone came to experience the extraordinary land. No phones, no internet, the only distractions were attractions. I came to Loch Ossian in mid September and returned with a friend in October. Each time offered new delights and the desire to investigate other Scottish hostels. Another delight –– the luxury of two pillows.Karen from Portland Oregon
13/10/18
Fantastic location. Ideal for cycling on the tracking around loch Ossian and beyond. Phone signal outside the hostel by the Hydro Shed about 200 yards from the Hostel. Staff so helpful, thanks Jan.Judy
08/10/18
what an amazing place, amazing setting and great facilities, I so love this place and will be coming back again.Willie J.
07/10/18
Loch Ossian Youth Hostel is very special. The view of the Loch from the hostel door is like the nave of a natural cathedral. The religion it celebrates is difficult to tie down but it touches the soul.Pip Rolls
24/09/18
The warden, Catriona, was very kind and helpful, making us very welcome. Many of the visitors had been here before lots of times before - Ossian is the kind of location that draws people back time after time.Alan
18/09/18
Our weekend at Loch Ossian was great - a stunning location, a friendly and helpful warden, and a really interesting group of fellow hostellers. When combined with excellent walking in some "bracing" Scottish weather, it definitely merits a return visit!Philip H
15/09/18
Just the best location, ever. Great atmosphere and charmBest view from a hostel, anywhere!!
12/09/18
Fantastic from start to finish. Other than the stunning location, the hostel was clean, warm, and welcoming. Jan was an excellent host!Steve, (organiser of annual trip to the highlands for the benefit of my London based mates).
12/09/18
A perfect situation at the head of Loch Ossian, the remote and wild location, and the warm, helpful welcome by Jan, the guardian, guarantees an unforgettable stay.Hugo
Accommodation at the hostel is in male and female specific dorms, but groups and families have the option of booking a dorm for exclusive use. The hostel has a fully equipped self-catering kitchen, with fridge, and a small shop selling ready meals, a range of snacks, postcards and sundries. Drying is available on two overhead racks and boot stands by the fire - the perfect place to relax after a day on the hills.
Guests can now enjoy a welcome hot shower, thanks to the development of locally sourced hydro power complimenting the micro generated solar power supply. There’s also electric panel heating throughout and all bed linen is provided, so no need for sleep sheets or sleeping bags. Other green initiatives include composting toilets, a reed bed grey water drainage system - and even bat-friendly paint!
Loch Ossian Youth Hostel is only accessible by rail, bike or foot. Corrour railway station (Glasgow to Fort William line) is the highest mainline railway station in the UK and the hostel is a short, approximately 20 minute walk from the station along a well-made track.
Loch Ossian Youth Hostel is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking to get away from it all. It has plenty of low and high level walks to choose from, including a variety of Munros and Corbetts. Popular with cyclists, star gazers, wildlife watchers, groups and families, it’s a great venue for a group getaway, or a peaceful break.
In extreme weather the hostel normally remains open during the day.
The hostel is also available for exclusive private rental.
Hostellers Love...
Friendly, knowledgeable staff
Beautiful loch side setting with stunning views
Warm and welcoming atmosphere
Regular visits from local deer
">Reasons to visit
Set high on Rannoch Moor and surrounded by Munros, Loch Ossian Youth Hostel is only accessible by rail, bike or on foot. It’s the perfect location to get away from it all and access unspoiled natural beauty by the bucketload.
The rail journey to Loch Ossian Youth Hostel is via the famous West Highland Railway line which takes in the magnificent Glenfinnan Viaduct, famous as the bridge from the Harry Potter films, arriving at Corrour railway station, featured in the original Trainspotting film.
Sitting on the banks of Loch Ossian, with truly exceptional views, this small homely eco-hostel is an excellent base for hill walkers of all abilities, providing fantastic mountain and low level walks from its doorstep.
From the local stag who likes to come and visit, to the 'dark sky' that brings the stars to life, it’s no wonder a stay at Loch Ossian is on so many bucket lists.
