Travel Guide

Travelling through Scotland this summer and looking to make the most of your trip without the hassle of having to rent a car? With a little bit of planning you can easily travel across the Highlands and stay in affordable social hostels in incredible locations with scenic views.

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.

I went on my third backpacking trip to Skye recently from Edinburgh, and it reminded me just how much has changed in recent years! You can now journey around the Highlands for just £2 on buses, massively cutting the cost from what it was even a few years ago. Even then, the Isle of Skye has a reputation for being one of Scotland's most expensive destinations, so here are my top recommendations for anyone looking to journey to the Misty Hebridean Isle this summer while backpac

Travelling as a couple in Edinburgh usually means choosing between pricey hotels or rolling the dice on a hostel. How can you as a backpacker couple make the most of your time in the city while still finding space for valuable time with each other? Royal Mile Backpackers sits right in the sweet spot: cosy, central, and genuinely social without being loud or overwhelming.

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.

The good news is that you don’t need to head deep into the Highlands or book an expensive tour to see these big fluffy, friendly beasts! You can travel a short distance to Swanston Farm where you can spot Highland cows, and enjoy nearby walking routes in the scenic Pentland Hills.