Is Loch Ness Worth Visiting in Autumn? An Honest Vibe Check & Budget Accommodation Guide
Thinking about visiting the Scottish Highlands this Autumn, and worried you've missed the best of the season? Worry not, as there's plenty to do and see across Loch Ness and the surrounding area during autumn, plus you can take advantage of cheaper accommodation prices, less crowds, and amazing autumnal views at the turn of the season.
Located in Alltsigh right on the water's edge, Lochside Hostel (part of the Scotland’s Top Hostels network) is the only hostel on Loch Ness with its own private beach, offering daily social events, kayak hire 24/7, group hikes, a log fire, and free pool. If you're planning a budget trip to the Highlands this October, make Lochside Hostel your base for exploring, with £2 buses on the doorstep to take you to the Isle of Skye, Fort William, Oban, Inverness and beyond.
Beds at Lochside Hostel start from just £23 this Autumn, and you'll always get the best price and flexibility when you book through Scotland's Top Hostels:
What Is There To Do Around Loch Ness in the Autumn? Kayaks, Hiking and Castle Day Trips
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!
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:
The Best Place to Stay Around Loch Ness During Your Autumn Visit - Lochside Hostel in Loch Ness
If you want to be close to the Loch, Castles, Hairy Coos, and more while also having the opportunity to enjoy the absolute best of Loch Ness, make your overnight stop at Lochside Hostel. Located halfway down the Loch, you'll find it easy to access these locations either by public transport (right from the hostel doorstep!) or by driving (there's free parking for guests!).
The hostel is also located right along the Great Glen Way, giving it phenomenal access to day hikes around the local area. Being the only hostel with its own beach on the Loch, you'll also find Kayak Hire, Morning Group Swims and Bonfire Nights an unbeatable part of your Scottish Highlands itinerary. The team of volunteers at the hostel host daily social events, so you're sure to make friends whether you're a solo traveller, road-tripper, backpacker, or Hairy Coo fanatic.
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.
How Do You Get to Lochside Hostel in Loch Ness by Bus?
Most backpackers will start their journey to the Highlands from Scotland's compact, hilly and historic capital city Edinburgh. As a travel hub with multiple affordable and social hostels, the city is well connected with several routes and tours that can easily take you to the shores of Loch Ness.
Explore all of your options for travelling to Loch Ness from Edinburgh in our dedicated article, be it bus, train, tour and more:
FAQs about visiting Loch Ness in Autumn
Is autumn a practical time to visit Loch Ness on a budget?
Yes. Visiting Loch Ness between September and November offers lower accommodation rates, fewer crowds at major sites like Urquhart Castle, and the complete end of the Highland midge season. Public bus services along the A82 continue running regularly throughout the season.
Where can you stay directly on the shore of Loch Ness?
Lochside Hostel in Alltsigh is the only budget hostel located directly on the shores of Loch Ness with a private pebble beach. Part of the Scotland’s Top Hostels network, it provides self-catering facilities, dorm beds, private rooms, and direct access to the water.
How do you get from Inverness to Lochside Hostel without a car?
You can take the Scottish Citylink or Stagecoach bus (Routes 917 or 919) from Inverness Bus Station towards Fort William. The bus travels down the A82 and drops passengers directly outside the Lochside Hostel entrance in Alltsigh in approximately 40 minutes.
How far is Urquhart Castle from Lochside Hostel and how do you get there?
Urquhart Castle is located 8 miles (13 km) north of Lochside Hostel. Travelers can take the northbound 917 or 919 bus directly from the stop outside the hostel on the A82, arriving at the castle bus stop in about 12 to 15 minutes.
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