What is the Most Social Hostel in the Scottish Highlands? Inside Lochside Hostel’s Events, Activities & Atmosphere
- Jay
- 4 hours ago
- 6 min read
If you're wondering whether there's a social backpackers hostel that makes it easy to meet people while visiting, the short answer is yes - Lochside Hostel is located directly on Loch Ness, and is well known for its daily social events, beachside setting, and relaxed, welcoming vibe. Lochside isn't just a place to sleep, it's a place where solo travellers can hike, kayak, eat, dance and swim together.
Here's what a few days at Lochside Hostel actually look like, through the eyes of some backpackers who have stayed just recently in April 2026:
Contents
Arriving at Lochside Hostel - Foraging Walk, Family Dinner & Pool Tournament
How to Spend an Afternoon on Loch Ness as a Backpacker - Social Hiking
What a Social Evening Looks Like at a Hostel in Loch Ness - Traditional Scottish Ceilidh Dancing
Continue Your Trip - Where Can You Travel Next as a Backpacker from Loch Ness?
Is There a Social Hostel on Loch Ness? (Short Answer: Yes!)
Yes, Lochside Hostel isn't just social, it’s the sort of place where people get to know each other by name, hang out, and make unforgettable memories together. Check out this review highlighting a recent guest's social experience:
"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 from Germany, from her review on Hostelworld in April 2026
Lochside Hostel is the only hostel on Loch Ness with its own beach, and it’s built around bringing backpackers together.
Whether you arrive solo or with friends, it’s incredibly easy to fall into conversation in the common areas, join a group heading out on the water kayaking, or find yourself around an evening bonfire with a drink in hand. If you’re looking for a social hostel on Loch Ness where meeting people happens naturally (without forced fun or awkward icebreakers), Lochside is it.
If you use the code TRAVEL15 when making a reservation, you can get 15% off your stay midweek this April at Lochside Hostel in Loch Ness, exclusive to the Scotland's Top Hostels Travel Guide:
Arriving at Lochside Hostel - Foraging Walk, Family Potluck Dinner & Pool Tournament
Getting to the hostel's doorstep is easy enough for backpackers - there are direct buses from Inverness, Fort William and the Isle of Skye that stop quite literally right outside the front door, and single bus tickets in the Highlands cost just £2 as of 2026!
When you walk in the front door, you'll see the reception on your left and the large social lounge on your right. It might be hard to make the decision of which way to go, as the volunteers tend to already be hanging around in the afternoon looking to make new friends (but we recommend going and checking in at least!). If you arrive before reception opens at 5pm, you can grab free tea and coffee in the lounge, and have a relaxed chat with new friends with a view looking right over Loch Ness.
Here's what a recent guest had to say about their arrival at Lochside:
"Lovely staff - they are so warm and kind. The view of the loch is absolutely stunning! Superb location, bus stop right at the front of the hostel and beautiful hike path leading to lush green forest and mountains right across the road." - A. Gray, Google Review, March 2026
Once you've got the key to your room and dropped off your backpack, you're likely going to be invited to the first event of the evening. If the weather's good, it may well be a Foraging Walk in the nearby woods, where you can pick wild garlic and mushrooms safely with trained volunteers, take in the natural surroundings of the hostel, and have a chat with fellow travellers along the way.
After tonight's goodies have been picked, you'll head back to the hostel in time to start cooking for the Family Potluck Dinner. Lately, it's been popular to make some yummy homemade pesto with the garlic picked earlier on the walk! Either way, throw together whatever you have, and take a seat at the table to dine, drink, and chat the evening away.
Once the plates are washed and the food's gone down, expect to take your place around the free pool table for an impromptu Pool Tournament - battle your way to the top to win a free breakfast in the morning, or simply enjoy a few relaxed games with some friends. If pool isn't your thing, you can go ahead and grab a pack of cards from the well-stocked games shelf, or sit down beside the cosy log fire with a beer or cup of tea.
"Amazing atmosphere with other fun travellers, definitely meet new people, make some friends. Very cool and amazing highland tartan pool table, table tennis table, free fire wood to start a bonfire etc…" - Bartholomew, Google Review, March 2026
Waking up at a Hostel on Loch Ness - The Morning Group Swim
One of the volunteers will likely have spent the past evening chatting your ear off about waking up at sunrise to jump in the Loch. It's important that you do just that. It's a completely unforgettable experience to wake up, grab a towel, and head down to the beach for a dip with your bunkmates.
Bring flip-flops if you can (or purchase a new pair at the reception for a reasonable price if you've forgotten!). Loch Ness only has stone beaches, so appropriate footwear will go a long way. Once you've all met in the lounge, you'll head down and take the plunge! It's the best way to wake up, and afterwards you can head up to the lounge to make the most of the continental breakfast buffet - just £4!
How to Spend an Afternoon on Loch Ness as a Backpacker - Social Hiking
Around 2pm, one of the volunteers will start rounding everyone up to head out onto the world-famous Great Glen Way, a hiking route that you can join in just a few minutes walk from the hostel's doorstep. While the full route goes all the way from Fort William to Inverness (or vice versa), the volunteers will be more than happy to take you out on a short route called the Alltsigh Triangle.
The triangle hike takes about 2-3 hours to complete, and takes you way up above the trees with incredible views out over Loch Ness. It's accessible to most people with little hiking experience, and can be taken at a leisurely pace to properly get to know your new backpacking mates and also take in scenic views. At the highest point, you can see the peak of nearby mountain Ben Tee on a clear day.
The route doesn't go back on itself, and follows a stream past a picturesque waterfall close to the hostel that is an absolute must-see (and great to get some pics for the gram).
What a Social Evening Looks Like at a Hostel in Loch Ness - Traditional Scottish Ceilidh Dancing
After resting up in the evening after a big day swimming and hiking, be ready to get back on your feet, because the day's social activities are not done yet! Head to Lochside Hostel any Wednesday night and you'll get to take part in its long-honoured Traditional Scottish Folk Dance Night, called a Ceilidh.
Your dance teacher may well be Fiona, one of the volunteers, who has a keen eye for getting everyone together and grooving. If you're worried about your dance skills, or even have two left feet, do not fear! Ceilidh dancing is all about getting up and giving it a go, swapping partners, and having a laugh along the way. It's pretty easy, and completely unforgettable to experience while you're staying on Loch Ness.
Continue Your Trip - Where Can You Travel Next as a Backpacker from Loch Ness?
If you've not ended up extending your stay (which, honestly, you may end up struggling to leave with this much fun on offer), then you can take advantage of the £2 single bus fare scheme currently in place in the Scottish Highlands as of 2026.
Head onwards to the Highlands capital of Inverness, just a 45 minute bus ride away, down to the mythical Isle of Skye via the legendary Eilean Donan Castle in little over an hour and a half, or over to Fort William to climb Britain's highest peak Ben Nevis, only just over an hour away.
Check out our full guide for all the places you can travel direct from Lochside Hostel:
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