Where to Stay to Climb Ben Nevis: Best Hostels in Fort William & Loch Ness
Taking advantage of the weather late this Summer and heading off to climb Scotland's tallest mountain? Staying in hostels before and after your hike makes things easy and affordable, without any of the fuss of booking an Airbnb out in the sticks. Staying in the nearby large town of Fort William or a little further out in the well-connected Loch Ness area offers you flexibility, affordability, and the chance to make the most of your time in the Highlands.
We've broken down our 2 hostel recommendations for adventurers, charity hikers, backpackers, and thrill-seekers heading to Britain's capital of adventure this summer.
Book your stay with Scotland's Top Hostels to get the best price and flexibility guaranteed:
Where is Ben Nevis Located? Getting to Fort William by Bus, Train & Car
The start of most hikers routes to Ben Nevis are located in the (aptly-named) Glen Nevis. It's located a short drive or direct bus journey away from Fort William, the second largest town in the Scottish Highlands. If you're starting your journey from the South, and from big travel hubs like Edinburgh or Glasgow, getting to Fort William a breeze, with several bus and train services in each direction throughout the day, many of them direct.
If you're travelling from Edinburgh, there is no direct train service to Fort William. You can travel to Glasgow via an express train in just 45 minutes, where you can take a direct train to Fort William, often ranked as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. It will take you past Loch Lomond and then through the Rannoch Moor, a boggy area with epic views of the mountains and Lochs of western Scotland. This journey takes around 3 hours and 50 minutes, and prices vary dramatically depending how far in advance you book.
Book your travel through Omio to compare the best prices, whether you're travelling from Edinburgh or Glasgow:
While the train is the most scenic way to travel, it isn't always the cheapest or quickest. If you're travelling by car, it's around a simple 3.5-4 hour drive along the A9 and taking a turnoff at Laggan to arrive in Fort William. Find directions to travel from Edinburgh to Fort William by car below:
If you're limited to public transport, you might find that regular bus services between Edinburgh or Glasgow to Fort William are also the most time and cost-effective route to begin your epic journey. You can book these services with two providers, Citylink and Ember, with prices starting from just £18.45 in August 2026:
How to Fit a Ben Nevis Climb into Your Scottish Highlands Itinerary
Climbing Scotland's highest peak doesn't mean missing out on some of the other amazing sights and experiences you can explore while visiting the Scottish Highlands. While many choose to travel directly from Edinburgh, Glasgow or further afield, if you're looking to fit this hike into a road trip or backpacking adventure across the entire Highlands, Fort William is well connected to other destinations.
You can take a direct bus from the bigger towns on the Isle of Skye straight to Fort William, or take the ferry to Armadale, then take the train (across the world-famous Glenfinnan Viaduct), if you have time for the scenic route. These journeys only take a few hours, depending on connections, and will take you through some of the most dramatic scenery on offer across this part of the world. We recommend Skye Backpackers in Kyleakin for the most convenient stay on the so-called Misty Isle:
Similarly, it's easy enough to take a direct bus to Fort William from Loch Ness or Inverness, with several services headed in each direction every day. Stopping off at Lochside Hostel in Loch Ness, you can stay directly on the shores of the mythical Loch for some monster-spotting, take part in daily activities like group swims and traditional Scottish dancing, and fit in a training hike on the Great Glen Way hiking route:
Fort William can also be reached from Oban, the 'Gateway to the Isles', where you can take direct ferries to the Isles of Mull, Tiree, Coll and the Outer Hebrides. This charming port town also has access to nearby castles like Castle Stalker, and other attractions, as well as a world-renowned whisky distillery right along the main street. Speaking of that main street, you can stay on it for an affordable price at Oban Backpackers:
Unsure of how to plan your Scottish Highlands adventure? We've put together the ultimate Highlands Bus Trip, with prices starting from just £2 per journey this summer. Read all about it and plan your trip here:
Why Fort William Backpackers is the Best Cheap Base for Climbing Ben Nevis
You can absolutely climb Ben Nevis without a car, and you can do so for just £2 in each direction. It's recommended to look for accommodation in and around Fort William for an overnight stay - we suggest Fort William Backpackers for the best balance of price and location close to the town centre and buses to connect you to the Ben Nevis trails. Beds at Fort William Backpackers start from just £27.50 this summer.
It's a cosy, welcoming hostel with a well-equipped kitchen to allow you to prepare a perfect packed lunch, continental breakfast served from 7:30am-10:30am every morning for just £4, and a fire pit looking right over Loch Linnhe that means you can put your feet up after a long day hiking.
Most backpackers will take the bus either to the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre or further out to the Glen Nevis Youth Hostel to start their trip. Heading further along cuts out a flat section of walking track if you want to save time. There is only one bus route you can take to get there which is operated by local bus company Shiel Buses, the Number 42. The bus only runs from 11th May to 27th September each year, and only 6 times a day in each direction.
It takes at least 6 hours, typically between 6-9, to hike Ben Nevis, so plan in advance which buses you'll take from Fort William town centre.
Check the dedicated Shiel Buses timetable page to plan your journey in advance:
Combine Ben Nevis & Loch Ness: Stay Right on the Shores at Lochside Hostel (Accessible by Car and Public Transport!)
Though you might not have thought of it, you don't actually need to stay right in Fort William to be able to climb Ben Nevis as a daytrip. You can take direct buses from Lochside Hostel in Loch Ness to Fort William, and then connect with the Shiel Bus Service to the trialhead for most Ben Nevis hikes. This will require some careful planning as buses run different times seasonally, and the hike on return could take you around 7-9 hours.
The bus stop for Lochside Hostel is located right at the hostel doorstep! Be sure to check the latest bus times with Ember and Citylink to see if they match up with Shiel Bus connections and provide you plenty of time for your hike. The stop is simply called 'Lochside Hostel'.
If you want views of the Loch, there are many accommodation options available, not all of them falling within a tidy backpacker budget. If you want access to a beach, there are very few options, especially affordable ones. Adding on making the most of your experience with nightly social events, kayak hire, and great facilities, Lochside Hostel in Alltsigh is the clear choice.
If you use the code LOCHNESSYES when making a reservation, you can get 15% off your stay at Lochside Hostel in Loch Ness, exclusive to the Scotland's Top Hostels Travel Guide:
Climbing Ben Nevis: Frequently Asked Questions for Budget Travellers
What is the best time of year to climb Ben Nevis?
The summer months (June through September) offer the best weather conditions, longer daylight hours, and ice-free paths on the Mountain Track. Climbing in spring or autumn often requires winter gear like crampons due to persistent snow on the summit plateau. Avoid winter ascents unless you are an experienced mountaineer with full winter equipment.
How long does it take to climb Ben Nevis, and where does the main trail start?
The main route—the Mountain Track (or Pony Track)—takes between 7 and 9 hours round trip. It starts at the Ben Nevis Visitor Centre in Glen Nevis, located just a 5-minute drive or a short 30-minute walk from Fort William Backpackers.
Do Fort William Backpackers and Lochside Hostel offer facilities for wet hiking gear?
Yes. Both hostels cater specifically to outdoor travelers with dedicated drying rooms for wet boots, rain jackets, and trousers, as well as secure kit storage for heavy packs while you're on the trail. You'll also have access to self-catering kitchens to prepare early breakfast flasks or load up on pasta after your descent.
How far is Lochside Hostel from Ben Nevis, and do I need a car to stay there?
Lochside Hostel sits approximately 45 miles north of Ben Nevis along the A82 (about an hour's drive). If you don't have a car, regular Citylink buses run along the A82 between Fort William and Inverness, stopping right near the hostel entrance - making it easy to travel between both bases without personal transport.
What safety gear do I need for climbing Ben Nevis, even in the summer?
Even in July and August, summit temperatures can drop to freezing and fog can hide trail markers. Always pack:
Sturdy, worn-in waterproof hiking boots (no sneakers or canvas shoes).
Waterproof outer layers (jacket and trousers).
Warm thermal layers, a hat, and gloves.
A physical paper map and magnetic compass (do not rely solely on phone battery or mobile data).
At least 2 litres of water, plenty of snacks, and a headtorch.
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