Scottish Hostels

04/11/2026

November doesn't have to mean staying indoors.

In Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, the quieter months bring a different kind of experience.

Mist settles over the water. Woodland gives way to its late-autumn colours. The days become shorter, the light changes and familiar landscapes can suddenly look completely different.

It's a good time to slow things down rather than squeeze everything into a day.

Stay at Balmaha Bunkhouse and explore the eastern shore of Loch Lomond, or make Loch Voil Hostel your base for discovering another side of the National Park.

Two Scottish Hostels. One National Park.

Some places really do suit the quieter months.

04/11/2026

Edinburgh might be the headline, but it's far from the whole story.

Beyond the city you'll find historic towns, open countryside and miles of East Lothian coastline, with the John Muir Way providing a ready-made reason to keep exploring.

The 134-mile coast-to-coast route finishes in Dunbar, taking in a very different side of the Lothians along the way. You don't have to tackle the entire trail either. Choose a section, make a day of it and discover what lies beyond the city.

Stay locally at The Dolphin Inn in Dunbar or Bell's Bothy Bunkhouse and turn a day out into a few days away.

Edinburgh is only the beginning.

How much of the Lothians have you explored beyond the city?

21/10/2026

There are places where autumn quietly arrives.

And then there's Perthshire.

Woodlands turn gold, copper and red. Rivers and waterfalls run through changing landscapes. Trails invite you out on foot or two wheels, while red squirrels and deer give you another reason to slow down and look around.

And because autumn doesn't wait, take the camera.

Stay at Comrie Croft and make it your base for getting out and experiencing Perthshire at one of its most colourful times of year.

One Scottish Hostel. A whole lot of autumn.

What gets you outside at this time of year? Is it the walks, the wildlife or the colour?

12/10/2026

Some parts of Scotland aren't meant to be rushed.

Wester Ross is one of them.

Walk amongst mountains and lochs. Take the bike onto quieter roads and trails. Look out for wildlife. Pack the camera and see what autumn light, mist and changing skies bring.

Then stay long enough to do it all again tomorrow.

Acheninver Hostel makes a great base for exploring Coigach and Assynt, while Forest Way Bunkhouse near Ullapool puts walking, cycling, wildlife and some extraordinary North West Highland landscapes within reach.

Two Scottish Hostels. A lot of Wester Ross to explore.

Don't just drive through. Stay awhile.

What are you packing first; boots, bike or camera?

06/10/2026

Who decided Scottish adventures were just for summer?

Head west to Argyll & The Isles and autumn gives you plenty of reasons to keep going.

Kayak or canoe the coast and sea lochs. Pull on the walking boots. Take the bike. Catch a ferry and explore another island.

Then comes the important bit.

Get back to your hostel. Get warm. Deal with the wet kit. Make something good to eat. Work out where you're heading tomorrow.

Scottish Hostels gives you three very different bases across Argyll & The Isles:

Argyll Backpackers
Coll Bunkhouse
Inveraray Hostel

If you're heading onto the water, go prepared for autumn conditions and cold water, check the forecast and use an experienced local provider where appropriate.

Adventure doesn't end with summer.

So what are you choosing; paddle, boots, bike or ferry?

22/09/2026

There comes a point every year when Scotland starts changing colour.

In the Cairngorms National Park, that's your cue to get outside.

Walk through autumn woodland, cycle forest trails and quiet roads, look out for red deer and red squirrels, or simply take the camera and see what the changing light gives you.

Stay nearby and you can get out earlier, stay out longer and make much more of your time in the National Park.

Scottish Hostels has four bases for your Cairngorms adventure:

» Ballater Hostel
» Dalwhinnie Old School Hostel
» Fraoch Lodge
» Prosen Hostel

Following the wildfires this summer, parts of the Cairngorms are recovering. Most of the National Park remains open, but please follow local guidance, respect any closures and help protect the landscape while you explore.

Four Scottish Hostels. A whole National Park to discover.

What would get you outside this autumn, walking boots, bike or camera?

08/09/2026

How far will you go for your next Scottish adventure?

September is a fantastic time to explore Orkney — whether you're walking the coast, cycling between ancient landscapes, watching autumn wildlife, heading out with the camera or discovering thousands of years of history.

And Orkney isn't just one island to tick off a list.

Make more of the archipelago with Scottish Hostels staying with:
» Ayres Rock Hostel
» Birsay Hostel
» Brown's Hostel
» Hoy Centre
» Rackwick Hostel
» Rousay Hostel

Choose a base. Catch a ferry. Explore another island. Stay a little longer.

Discover Orkney accommodation with Scottish Hostels and start planning your autumn adventure.

17/08/2026

Where will your Scottish Hostels adventure take you?

Be inspired by nature and what the great outdoors has to offer you.

Affordable accommodation across the Scottish regions.

Where and when are you going?

31/07/2026

There's still time to make the most of August… and some of Scotland's best experiences aren't found in the cities.

Across the country, villages, islands and rural communities are coming alive with Highland Games, agricultural shows, harbour festivals, live traditional music and local celebrations. The perfect excuse for a week or even a weekend away.

This month you could:

🏴 Watch the caber toss at the Ballater Highland Games in Aberdeenshire.

🐑 Spend a day at the Black Isle Show, celebrating the very best of farming, food and rural life.

🎻 Experience the atmosphere of the Mull Music Festival, where traditional tunes fill pubs and village halls across the island.

🥁 Soak up the community spirit at the Glenfinnan Highland Gathering in Glenfinnan, surrounded by some of Scotland's most spectacular scenery.

🎪 Explore local agricultural shows, food festivals, harbour celebrations and community events taking place from the Borders to the Highlands and Islands.

🦦 Check out the wonders of mother nature and capture a glimpse of otters, dolphins or minke whales over by Mull and Skye and the Small Isles.

Why rush home with all these wonders to enjoy.

Stay with one of our independent Scottish Hostels and spend more time exploring the landscapes, wildlife and welcoming communities that make these events so special.

Whether you're heading to Aberdeenshire & Moray, Argyll & The Isles, Lochaber, Wester Ross, the Outer Hebrides or our other fair islands, there's a hostel waiting to welcome you after a day of adventure.

Tag a friend who'd love a Scottish road trip.

16/07/2026

Be safe everyone. No fires please.

Very high wildfire risk - please share

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service have issued wildfire warnings impacting areas within the National Park from Wednesday 15 until Monday 20 July.

While enjoying the warm weather in the Cairngorms, remember:

🔥 Fires and barbecues are not allowed under the new fire byelaw
🗑 Always ensure ci******es are fully extinguished and take your litter (including glass) away with you
🚒 If you see a wildfire, dial the emergency services on 999 and provide them with the location

Protect our National Park. No flame, no spark.