If you’re thinking of hostelling in Scotland, then we have the ultimate bucket list for you to make your trip to Scotland one to remember forever. Here are 5 top places to visit:
1. Experience the Glenfinnan Viaduct
The Glenfinnan Viaduct is well known to all fans of the Harry Potter movies as the bridge used on the way to Hogwarts, appearing in four of the films in the franchise. You can experience the train for yourself by taking the Jacobite Steam train across the bridge, taking in all the beautiful scenery that Glenfinnan has to offer. You can also stay at Hostelling Scotland’s newly-refurbished Glen Nevis Youth Hostel (opening in July), or travel a little further down to our Glencoe Youth Hostel, where more of the Harry Potter movie scenes were shot.
2. Drive the NC500
One of the biggest tourist routes in Scotland is the NC500 which takes in a large majority of the Highlands. You can cycle, or drive the route, which can take from 7 to 10 days to complete. The route starts in Inverness (where you can stay at our youth hostel), and moves through the west coast up to Torridon and then goes upwards towards some of the most northerly coastal towns of Scotland, before heading south and ending up back at Inverness! With amazing castles, beautiful beaches and mountains to climb along the route, there really is something for every trip or holiday.
If you want more information about the youth hostels and affiliate hostels on the NC500 route, then check out Hostelling Scotland’s dedicated NC500 page here.
3. Climb the Inaccessible Pinnacle
The Inacessiable Pinnacle really is a unique challenge (and it is a challenge!) for anyone staying at our Glenbrittle Youth Hostel. Also known as the In Pinn, it is the second highest summit in the Skye Cuillin, and is notorious as the most difficult of the Munros. Once you reach the summit of Sgùrr Dearg, the In Pinn comes into play and involves an overhanging and infinite drop on one side – we told you it was a challenge!
In Pinn requires a rock climb and an abseil, so we would not recommend this to any novices. However, it really is a must try, and will be an unforgettable experience for any experienced mountain climber.
5. Go to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is the world’s largest arts festival and for the month of August the population of the Scottish Capital doubles in size. Luckily for you, we have three youth hostels for you to stay in. The Fringe Festival takes in everything from plays to musicals and stand-up comedy. Bring kids to a morning show or go to a midnight comedy show with a group of friends; there truly is something for everyone. The festival is also filled with lots of high quality free shows, making it very accessible to people who are on a budget, or just a savvy hosteller looking to save money. A must visit for anyone coming to Scotland this summer.
5. Visit the beach in the Mountains
If you are looking for a unique beach in Scotland, then you can’t get any more unique than the beach in the mountains – Loch Morlich. Cairngorm Lodge Youth Hostel is only a stone’s throw away from the loch, which has a lovely sandy bay at the end where you can experience great views of the nearby mountains of the Cairngorm National Park. A superb place for that perfect Instagram photo!
Originally written and published under a full moon in the Scottish Highlands by Hostelling Scotland.
