Updated April 2021
The North Coast 500 is no longer an unknown loop around the Scottish Highlands; in just a few years it has become the country's must-do road trip!
Unfortunately this means that unless you book your accommodation well in advance, availability can quickly become non-existent and you may end up paying through the nose to secure a bed for the night - not great if you're on a bit of a budget!
But have no fear, hostels do exist in this part of the world and on this beautiful route - and we've put together a selection of the best.
So without further ado, here are the best hostels on the North Coast 500!
If you’re looking for more advice on accommodation in general along the route, ideas on which areas to stay in, plus options that aren’t just hostels, head over to our North Coast 500 Accommodation Guide. That guide also includes a bunch of great value Airbnbs!
Bazpackers Hostel, Inverness
With its friendly staff and quiet, homely atmosphere, Bazpackers is an excellent budget option in Inverness, which is where you will start and end the North Coast 500. Housed in an old Victorian town house opposite the city's castle, it is excellently located close to everything Inverness has to offer.
It also comes with a well-equipped kitchen on site and secure lockers.
Private Double from £77 | Dorms from £38
Check availability and prices on Hostelworld
Read Later | 10 Best Things To Do in Inverness
Hartfield House Hostel, Applecross
In what was once a hunting lodge, Hartfield House now offers comfortable rooms to families, couples and groups of friends, with options for private and dormitory style facilities.
With a great guest kitchen, and set in beautiful grounds, this white house set among the trees is a great place for people of all budgets spending some time in Applecross.
Privates from £55 for two people | Dorms from £25
Check availability and prices on Booking.com
Durness Smoo Youth Hostel
Durness Smoo offers a true hostelling experience in simple and relaxed accommodation, surrounded by wild and spectacular landscapes.
The hostel is relaxed and friendly, providing a simple base from which to explore the area on a budget. There are multi-share and private rooms, a well-equipped self-catering kitchen, drying room and cosy lounge heated by a coal-burning stove.
If doing the North Coast 500 route clock-wise, then you'll likely make it here for your 3rd or night.
4-person private from £104 | Dorms from £26
Check availability and prices on Hostelworld or Booking.com
Ullapool Youth Hostel
Run by knowledgeable staff who can provide you with information on all the local attractions, the Ullapool Youth Hostel is fantastic option for those on a bit of a budget. Great seafront location, it's also close to all local amenities.
Rooms vary in size, catering for individual travellers as well as couples and groups*. There's also a well-equipped self-catering kitchen, two small lounges and excellent laundry and drying rooms.
*Update July 2020: Unable to book individual dorm beds, but twins, double and four-star rooms still available
Private Twin from £63
Check availability and prices on Hostelworld or Booking.com
Torridon Youth Hostel
Sitting at the head of Upper Loch Torridon in the shadow of the mighty mountain Liathach, Torridon Youth Hostel is a fantastic base for exploring some of the finest mountain scenery in Europe.
The hostel provides modern, practical facilities for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike, including comfortably sized private rooms, a spacious self-catering kitchen, a drying room and two large lounges with panoramic views of the mountains.
Dogs are now welcome, for a small fee, when guests book a private room.
Update July 2020: Currently unable to book individual dorm beds for single travellers
4 person rooms | £114 per night
Check availability and prices on Hostelworld or Booking.com
Achmelvich Beach Youth Hostel
Run by a friendly older couple, Achmelvich Beach Hostel is a a wonderfully rustic accommodation from which to explore the local area (which includes some of Scotland's best beaches). With perfectly adequate (albeit a little worn around the edges) rooms plus a self-catering kitchen, it has recently become pet friendly too!
Update July 2020: Currently unable to book individual dorm beds for single travellers
Private Twin from £56 | Dorms from £23
Check availability and prices on Hostelworld or Booking.com
Gairloch Sands Hostel
Sitting on the northern shore of Loch Gairloch, this former hunting lodge provides wonderful panoramic views over the surrounding hills and is an excellent (and popular) choice with groups, familes and individual travellers looking for budget accommodation.
Offers large, comfortable rooms, pleasant communal spaces and a well-equipped kitchen.
Update July 2020: Currently unable to book individual dorm beds for single travellers
Private Twin from £65 | 4 bed privates from £114
Check availability and prices on Hostelworld or Booking.com
