Ratagan Youth Hostel

We welcome the recent announcement by the Scottish Government on the responsible lifting of restrictions and are delighted to be able to plan for the re-opening of our self-catering kitchens from 1st November. Drying room facilities are now available at many of our hostels but we would ask you to please contact the hostel team directly to allow them to manage your access. The health, safety and wellbeing of our guests, employees and the communities in which we operate remains our main priority at this time. 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 our guests to continue to refer to Scottish Government guidelines and Transport Scotland advice on travel and social distancing when making their booking. Please remember, this guidance may be different in England and Wales.  

Small and intimate, Ratagan Youth Hostel is has a stunning lochside location with enviable views towards Skye.

Perfect for groups, families and individual travellers, this warm and welcoming hostel offers guests a variety of room types, all with USB charging points, and all able to be booked as private rooms.
The accommodation is split over two floors and none of the rooms are en-suite, but ample shower and washroom facilities are available.

Guests can opt for continental breakfast served in the large dining room (please remember to pre-book), or take advantage of the well-equipped self-catering kitchen. Relax with a local craft beer or glass of wine in the hostel’s comfortable lounge, while enjoying stunning views over the Five Sisters of Kintail.

WiFi access is free for all guests and other facilities include a laundry, drying room, luggage store and secure bike shed. Basic provisions, including frozen ready meals, confectionery and soft drinks are available to purchase at reception.

Although surrounded by mountains, lochs and forests, the hostel is just off the main road, with a bus stop only 1.5 miles away making it easily accessible by public transport. Free parking is available onsite.

Ratagan is a popular choice with outdoor enthusiasts and there are a number of low-level scrambles and ridge walks within easy reach of the hostel. The garden is ideal for launching kayaks for a paddle in Loch Duich, home to porpoises, otters and seals. World famous Eilean Donan Castle is only eight miles away.

Ratagan 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) 1599 511 243 to check availability. There is a small charge of £5 per night for your dog when staying in our hostels.

The hostel is also available for exclusive private rental.

Why stay?

Friendly and informative staff

Fabulous loch side location with stunning views

Great base for hill walking

Secure lockers and bike store

Private rooms available

Ratagan Youth Hostel enjoys a stunning loch-side location and boasts an amazing view of the Five Sisters of Kintail mountain range from its sitting room.

Popular with cyclists, the Mam Ratagan Pass is a scenic hill road to Glenelg where you can catch the historic turntable ferry to Skye. This fabulous little ferry is one of a kind and simply the best way to travel to Skye. The short crossing provides magnificent views and the enthusiastic crew are always happy to tell you about the local wildlife, scenery and the ferry's history.

Low level scrambles and ridge walks are all within easy reach of the hostel and the garden is ideal for launching kayaks where you can take to the water to explore famous local landmarks such as Eilean Donan Castle.

There are plenty of Munros to tackle in the local area and The Falls of Glomach, one of the highest and most remote waterfalls in Britain, is within easy reach.

For wildlife enthusiasts, otters, seals and porpoises can often be seen from the garden and deer roam the surrounding hillsides. 

Charter a fishing boat or let someone else do the hard work while you kick back and enjoy some fresh local shellfish at the Glenelg Inn or Sheena's famous tea hut.