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Hiking and biking around the NC500, visiting on a budget or prefer somewhere slightly more social than a hotel? Whatever your reason for searching for North Coast 500 hostels, this guide details the best options at some of the most popular stops on Scotland’s answer to Route 66.
Planning your NC500 trip? Start here and you might also like our guide to apartments on the North Coast 500.
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Hostels on the North Coast 500
There are a couple of things to consider when considering which hostels to stay at.
Firstly, check that the hostel has free parking if you are driving.
Secondly, consider the climate in Scotland.
Hostels with drying rooms are recommended if you plan to do a lot of outdoor activity!
Take a look at our packing list for more tips and hacks.
If you plan to use the kitchen facilities at the hostel, grab a grocery shop before you arrive.
Note addresses and phone numbers.
Don’t rely on phone signal around the route.
Here are more NC500 hacks.
Another aspect to consider is seasonality.
The NC500 is super popular from April through October, and some accommodation providers close over winter.
North Coast 500 Hostels
Hostels in Inverness
There are six hostels in Inverness for budget travellers.
One of the most popular hostels is the Black Isle Bar and Rooms.
The appeal?
It’s the first bar to sell craft beer and offers Black Isle Brewery tours.
The Black Isle itself is stunning.
There are a mix of private rooms and dorms.
The bar also sells craft beer and pizza and has a secret rooftop bar!
Check availability through Hostelworld.
Hostels in Torridon
There is one Torridon hostel, Torridon Youth Hostel, run by the Scottish Youth Hostel Association.
This family (and dog!) friendly hostel is surrounded by hills ready for hiking.
It is perfectly located under the highest peak in the area, Liathach.
Torridon Youth Hostel has a large kitchen, two social areas, a drying room, panoramic views, private rooms, and dorms.
Check availability through Hostelworld or Booking.com.
Hostels in Gairloch
The Gairloch Sands Hostel, managed by the Scottish Youth Hostel Association, is the oldest SYHA hostel.
The former hunting lodge was built in 1880 but is now maintained as a family and dog-friendly hostel.
Dorms and private rooms are available for booking.
The hostel offers free parking, and meals are available.
Check availability through Hostelworld.
Hostels in Ullapool
There is only one Ullapool hostel, which SYHA again manages.
Ullapool Youth Hostel sits on the seafront, with views of Loch Broom and Beinn Dearg mountain.
Like Torridon, it has two social areas, a kitchen and dorm rooms or private rooms available.
There is also a laundry and drying room if it has come to that point of the road trip.
Check availability through Hostelworld or Booking.com.
Hostels at Achmelvich
If you’ve seen the NC500 on social media, you’ve likely already been introduced to Achmelvich Bay.
You will not be surprised to hear that Achmelvich Beach Hostel is often sold out.
The hostel has a self-catering kitchen, dining room, and dorm beds.
It accepts group bookings and dogs.
It’s one of the most scenic hostels on the North Coast 500 – catch it if you can.
Hostels in Durness
The Durness Smoo Youth Hostel is next to Smoo Cave and Sango Sands Campsite.
It is another family and dog-friendly SYHA hostel with dorms and private rooms.
A self-catering kitchen, drying room and coal-burning stove heated area are also provided.
The hostel is relaxed and friendly, providing a simple base to explore the area on a budget.
There are multi-share and private rooms, a well-equipped self-catering kitchen, a drying room and a cosy lounge heated by a coal-burning stove.
Check availability through Hostelworld and Booking.com.
Hostels in Thurso
Sandra’s Backpackers receives positive reviews for friendliness and location.
Breakfast is included, and Thurso has restaurants and cafes for those choosing to eat out.
Dorms and private rooms are available.
Availability of hostels eases on the North Coast 500 as you hit Caithness.
Check availability on Hostelworld and Booking.com.
Our NC500 Guides
Any questions? Just ask below.