You’ve decided that your next holiday will take you around the North Coast 500 route.
You’ve sorted your dates and your vehicle, now all that is left is accommodation.
To save you some time, the Scottish Youth Hostel Association has sugggested seven hostels to stay in to make the most of your NC500 journey.
1) Achmelvich Beach Youth Hostel
A traditional and remote youth hostel with miles of unspoilt coastline and secluded beaches to explore. Achmelvich Beach is the starting point for beautiful coastal and hill walks such as Quinag, Suilven and Canisp. It’s also a great location for canoeing and windsurfing in crystal clear waters.
Room sizes vary, but include group accommodation and one family room. Dogs are welcome when you book a private room.
Visit the website for more information.
2) Durness Smoo Youth Hostel
Simple, friendly and relaxed accommodation in a wild and spectacular landscape. Explore mountains, caves, sea cliffs, beaches and waterfalls. On a clear night the starry skies are incredible – you may even see the Northern Lights.
Durness Smoo has multi-share and private rooms and a cosy lounge heated by a coal-burning stove. Secure bike storage is available and dogs are welcome when you book a private room.
Visit the website for more information.
3) Gairloch Sands Youth Hostel
A cosy former hunting lodge on the shores of Loch Gairloch with magnificent sea and mountain views. Boat trips to watch whales and dolphins are available from the village, which also boasts fine pubs, coffee shops, restaurants and fresh seafood. Local activities include pony trekking, kayaking, fishing, golf and traditional distilling.
Gairloch Sands has multi-share and private/family rooms. Secure bike storage is available and dogs are welcome when you book a private room.
Visit the website for more information.
4) Inverness Youth Hostel
A short walk from the city centre, this is a great base for exploring the Highland Capital, the nearby coast and the stunning Highland landscape. Inverness has a modern shopping centre, traditional music venues, pubs, galleries and a castle. Historic Culloden Moor is close by. For the more adventurous, there’s dolphin spotting, mountain biking and kayaking.
Private and group rooms are available, some ensuite and some with glorious views towards the Moray Firth. There’s an on-site café and secure bike storage.
Visit the website for more information.
5) Kyle of Tongue Hostel
A magnificently situated stone lodge on the romantic shores of the Kyle of Tongue, the hostel is relaxed and friendly with spacious bedrooms.
A short walk from Tongue Village, it’s a perfect base for hill walking, cycling, fishing, photography, nature and birdwatching, with many white sandy beaches to explore.
Local attractions include Castle Varrich ruins, Strathnaver Museum and Trail and Cape Wrath. Escape to the edge of Scotland and leave the hustle and bustle of life behind.
Visit Tongue Hostel’s website for more information
6) Torridon Youth Hostel
At the head of Upper Loch Torridon, in the shadow of the mighty Liathach, this is a fantastic base for exploring some of the finest mountain scenery in Europe. Local activities include clay pigeon shooting, archery, kayaking and mountain biking.
The hostel provides modern, practical facilities for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike, including comfortably sized private rooms and two large lounges with panoramic views. Secure bike storage is available and dogs are welcome when you book a private room.
Visit the website for more information.
7) Ullapool Youth Hostel
Enjoy wonderful views over Loch Broom and the Beinn Dearg mountain range. Take a ferry to Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis or cruise to the Summer Isles. Knowledgeable, friendly staff will provide information on local attractions.
Close to the ferry, bus, pubs, cafes and seafood restaurants, the hostel has a dining area with views over the harbour. Private and multi-share rooms are available (one ensuite). There’s secure bike storage and dogs are welcome when you book a private room.
Visit the website for more information.