Kayaking on Loch Ness is one of the most exciting ways to explore the water and head out Nessie-hunting, and many backpackers ask whether you can rent a kayak without booking an expensive tour. The answer is yes you can kayak on Loch Ness, and you can now rent kayaks directly from your hostel without booking a tour. With the new Yak Shack kayak and stand-up paddleboard rental service based directly at Lochside Hostel, you can now hire a kayak on Loch Ness and get straight o

Looking for a welcoming social vibe for your trip to the Scottish Highlands? Look no further than the Lochside Hostel in Loch Ness - scenically located on the banks of the Loch with its own pebble beach, kayak hire, and situated just minutes from the world-famous Great Glen Way Hiking Route, you'll never be short of things to do.

Whether you're staying for a night before heading further into the more remote parts of the Highlands or staying for a few days, you'll be charmed by this small, walkable city with a welcoming feel, and there's plenty for backpackers to pack into a trip to Inverness.

Absolutely - Edinburgh offers a diverse range of queer-inclusive social backpackers hostels, alongside an inclusive vibe as a city. With LGBTQIA+ owned bookshops, breweries, bars and walking tours, you can combine a day exploring with fantastic queer club nights and drag shows at night, all in a city with a walkable, friendly atmosphere.

We can't wait to see you! Thanks for booking a stay at our awesome cosy, social, friendly hostel on the shores of Loch Ness.

It's now easier than ever for backpackers on a budget to explore the Scottish Highlands - you can take advantage of an incredible range of day trips and travel routes, from the dramatic mountains of the Isle of Skye to secluded castles and the starting points for picturesque hiking trails.

In this guide, we'll explain how the new £2 bus fare works, which routes you can take to reach unforgettable social hostels, and how you can use it to travel between some of the best backpacker destinations including Loch Ness without breaking the bank.

Edinburgh is most backpackers' first destination when visiting Scotland, and its' easy to see why - the Scottish capital is compact, historic, walkable, and packed with things to see and do, from castles to museums, parks to hilltop hikes, bars to unmissable festivals.

With an entirely free social event programme offer up everything from relaxed quiz nights and pool tournaments, through to dance workshops and walking tours, you'll never be short of something to do at High Street Hostel - the perfect balance between social and chill.

Choosing a hostel that fits your needs best, even just for a night, can help you get the most out of your experience in any city, and especially in Edinburgh.

Royal Mile Backpackers particularly suits couples, LGBTQIA+ backpackers, and solo female travellers thanks to its inclusive atmosphere.

We can't wait to see you! As a guest at one of our Scotland's Top Hostels in Edinburgh, you get access to exclusive discounts on some of the best experiences, bars, restaurants, cafes, tours and more during your stay.

Lochside Hostel in Loch Ness is located directly on the Loch, with the door to your room only 15-30 metres away from the beach. There are very few accommodation options directly on the shoreline of the Loch, so this is a unique opportunity to sleep close enough to hear the Monster!

I’ve put together this guide to help you locate the best place to stay to make the most of your time in the city, and keep your stay affordable.

Whether it's the draw of myths and legends or to experience the Scottish Highlands' dramatic landscapes and access to nature, our experienced team at Scotland's Top Hostels is often asked for the cheapest way to travel to go Nessie-hunting...

As a big name destination that people all around the globe have heard about, you might be worried that a visit Loch Ness will end up eating heftily into your backpacking budget. In this article, we give you an overview of the major tourist attractions on the Loch and how much it costs to visit them, as well as how to make the most of your time on a Nessie-spotting trip to the Scottish Highlands.