Escape the Edinburgh Fringe: Visit Loch Ness & Stay at Loch Ness - The Lochside Hostel
- Jay
- Aug 10
- 6 min read
As great as August in Edinburgh can be, a few days of the jam-packed Royal Mile can leave anyone ready for a breather. If you want to step away from the festival crowds without throwing your travel budget out the window, heading north into the Highlands is easier - and far cheaper - than most people realise. A trip to a backpackers hostel on Loch Ness might be just what the doctor has ordered.
Trade standing in line for shows and £8 pints for something completely different - a getaway on the shores of the Loch with daily activities, kayak hire, access to amazing hiking routes, and some Highland fresh air. It's an affordable way to reset, catch up with fellow travellers over a beer by the fire, and explore the Highlands on your own terms before heading back to Fringe madness.
Book your stay with Scotland's Top Hostels and get 10% off this August - you always get the best price and flexibility with us:
Why Are Backpackers Staying Longer at Lochside Hostel?
It's too easy to view Loch Ness as a 'tick-box' destination that you can do as a daytrip from other Highland locations or even from Edinburgh. But if you choose to do one of these one-day tours, expect to spend a lot of the day on a bus, and to get far from an authentic and hands-on experience of Loch Ness.
Many backpackers who have been staying at Lochside Hostel in Loch Ness have been telling us how much they appreciate an opportunity to get up close and personal with the Loch, making use of the beach that's just steps away from the hostel doorstep, and getting involved in the daily events:
"My room was located down by the water, with the private beach just a few steps away. There was a wonderful variety of events offered in the evening during my stay. Traditional Scottish dancing & fire at the beach were my highlights. What meant the most to me (and why I extended my stay) was the space available both for quiet relaxing by the water, hiking right out the door and a warm, kind, inclusive social atmosphere!" - Samuel, in a review from Google in 2025.
Staying at Lochside Hostel gives you the opportunity to get involved in the social atmosphere (though backpackers are of course welcome to relax on their own in the spacious common areas!), and try things like traditional Scottish folk dancing in a relaxed environment where making new friends from across the world is easy.
What Is There to Do Around Lochside Hostel? Can You Kayak, Hike & Explore Loch Ness Without a Car?
Just because the hostel is located remotely, don't think you'll find yourself without things to do! At Lochside Hostel, you can take advantage of kayak hire directly from the hostel's beach, as well as access to the world-famous Great Glen Way hiking route which is just meters from the hostel doorstep.
Kayak hire is provided by Yak Shack, and can be booked in advance or on the day you arrive provided there's availability. Guests at Lochside Hostel get an exclusive discount for kayak hire sent to them ahead of their stay! Check availability and book below:
A popular hiking route is the Alltsigh Triangle, a 2.5-3.5 hour hike that takes you high above the treeline in the hills behind the hostel, with scenic views over Loch Ness and to the mountains in the distance. Maps are available at reception, and its a triangular route (as the name suggests!) so you won't have to double back on yourself when you get to the top of the hills.
There's also plenty to see around Loch Ness, and given that Lochside Hostel has its own bus stop right on the front door, you can easily reach the big sights nearby including Urquhart Castle, the ruins of an 800 year old castle which juts out into the Loch, or the Loch Ness Centre, featuring an interactive exhibit on the famed myth of the Loch Ness Monster.
You can even do day trips further afield to destinations like the Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle! Check out our full backpackers guide to travelling around Loch Ness using Lochside Hostel as a base here:
Why Is Lochside Hostel Good for Solo Travellers & Backpackers?
The magic of Lochside Hostel is how much effort the volunteer team and staff put into making the social atmosphere happen. But don't expect awkward ice-breakers and the like, instead, the volunteer team will introduce everyone through exploring the best of Loch Ness together - be that Group Swims every morning at 8am or through Social Hikes out around the stunning local countryside.
In the evenings, you can enjoy a laidback social atmosphere, where the convenient bar & shop located at reception means you're not worried about heading out for a meal or to the pub. Some nights are really easy-going, with games nights or pool tournaments around the free pool table. Others can get lively, with Scottish Folk Dance Parties livening up the spacious common room.
Here's what Amy, a backpacker who stayed at Lochside Hostel in April 2026, had to say about her stay in a review from Hostelworld:
"It was the best hostel stay I ever had! The location was incredible, everything had a peacefull and welcoming atmosphere. The people and activities were great. Just good vibes, would always come back!" - Amy, in a review from Hostelworld in 2026
How Do You Get to Lochside Hostel by Bus?
The great news is that Lochside Hostel is itself a public bus stop! There are regular direct Ember and Citylink buses travelling from backpacker hubs like Inverness, Fort William, Oban and the Isle of Skye throughout the day, all costing just £2 for a single fare as of May 2026. Check out our guide to getting to Loch Ness here:
Travelling from Edinburgh, the Scottish Capital? Explore the best route and itinerary here:
FAQs About Visiting Loch Ness & Lochside Hostel During August
How do I get from Edinburgh to Lochside Hostel on a budget without a car?
The most affordable option is taking a direct Ember or Citylink bus from Edinburgh to Inverness or Fort Augustus, followed by a short local bus connection straight to the hostel entrance. Alternatively, you can catch a ScotRail train from Edinburgh Waverley up through the Cairngorms to Inverness. If you'd rather skip route planning altogether, backpacker tour operators like Macbackpackers run direct Highland trips from Edinburgh that stop overnight right at the hostel.
Is Lochside Hostel actually located on the shore of Loch Ness?
Yes - unlike hostels based in nearby towns like Inverness or Fort William, Lochside Hostel sits directly on the banks of Loch Ness. Guests have direct access to a private beach, making it easy to jump in for a loch swim, launch a kayak, or sit around an evening campfire right at the water’s edge.
Can I take a short 2- or 3-day break to Loch Ness in the middle of my Fringe stay?
Absolutely. Many backpackers use our Edinburgh hostels - Castle Rock Hostel, High Street Hostel, or Royal Mile Backpackers -as a main base and take a short 48-to-72-hour trip up north when they need a breather. You can safely leave heavy luggage in secure storage at your Edinburgh hostel while heading to Loch Ness with just a daypack.
What facilities are available at Lochside Hostel for self-catering and budget travellers?
The hostel is fully equipped to keep your travel costs low. Key amenities include:
A fully stocked self-catering kitchen so you can cook your own meals instead of eating out.
A cozy waterfront lounge and outdoor patio overlooking the loch.
Direct access to local walking trails along the Great Glen Way.
Free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and secure luggage storage.
How do I get the best rate when booking both Edinburgh and Loch Ness hostels?
Booking directly through the Scotland’s Top Hostels website guarantees the lowest nightly rates across all properties. Get 10% off your stay at Lochside Hostel this August when you book through us.
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