Backpacking around the Scottish Highlands without a car can sometimes feel complicated, but it's getting easier thanks to Edinburgh-based bus company Ember opening up new direct routes that are changing the game for travelling this scenic part of the world.

Lochside Hostel is the only hostel on Loch Ness with its own beach, kayak hire, and is located right along the Great Glen Way hiking route. The best part? The hostel hosts daily activities and events to bring together guests from all over the world. Think traditional Scottish dance nights,

Planning a backpacking trip around Scotland? Want to make the most of your experience without breaking the bank? Where you stay can shape the whole experience - Edinburgh is a bustling backpacker hub full of museums and history, while the Highlands offers scenic views alongside incredible activities from hiking Ben Nevis to kayaking on Loch Ness.

Fort William makes a fantastic base for exploring the Highlands - known as the adventure capital of Scotland, it sits in the shadow of Ben Nevis and has unrivalled access to walking, hiking, wild swimming, climbing and more. Whether you're staying for a few nights or heading on to your next destination, we've put together all the places you can visit directly from Fort William on the £2 bus scheme here.

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.

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 ont

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.

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.

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!

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.