Glen Affric
About About this youth hostel
A former stalking bothy on the Affric Estate, this friendly eco-hostel is unique, remote and offers a warm welcome and an unforgettable experience in one of the most beautiful glens in Scotland.
A wind turbine and solar panels provide warm water and electricity, while the comfortable common room and kitchen are heated by wood and coal fires.
The hostel has two private rooms, as well as comfortable unisex/mixed dorms. Because of its remote location, provisions are limited and we ask guests to bring their own sleeping bags, towel, torch, food, drink and appropriate clothing for the duration of their stay. There is a small hostel shop which sells soft drinks, juices, chocolate bars, healthy snacks, crisps and pouch meals.
There is no WiFi or mobile phone reception at the hostel.
The hostel is only accessible on foot or by mountain bike, so please plan ahead, take into consideration the weather conditions and allow plenty of time. Its unique location is the closest you’ll get to an alpine hut in Scotland and a great experience waits for anyone prepared to make the effort to visit.
PLEASE NOTE:
- Please check the availability calendar on this website before travelling to the hostel.
- Remember to be prepared - plan ahead, carefully decide the best route for you and always allow for the weather conditions.
- The hostel is situated on the Affric/Kintail Way, a long distance path which has occasional signposts. However, we recommend that you bring a good map, a compass and torch, along with appropriate clothing for often very changeable weather conditions.
- There is no refuse collection at the hostel, so anything you bring with you will need to leave with you!
- There is no secure bike storage at the hostel.
The hostel is also available for exclusive private rental.
Why stay?
- One of a kind!
- Remote mountain location with stunning views
- Warm welcome and fantastic hospitality
For more information on the hostel, accessibility and the local area please click here
Glen Affric Youth Hostel
Facilities & Services
Season
April to September
Reception Hours
07:00 - 10:00 and 17:00 - 22:00
Check in
17:00 - 22:00
Check out
07:00 - 10:00
Access Hours
Our porch is available for shelter outside opening hours
Amenities
Private Rooms
Drying Room
Guest Reviews
16/09/2025
This place is amazing - everyone should come here, at least once in their lifetime :)Chris W
12/09/2025
GreatAline
12/09/2025
Lived up to expectations as the most remote hostel I have thus far visited. Very tough ride in with the bike, which was how to carry food for 3 days as well as camera equipment. Do consider walking if you do't actually have to carry a huge amount. Very glad that the dormitory area is accessible outside the time the main hostel building is locked. Look forward to the reinstatement of a fully green electricity system rather than smelly dirty diesel.Rev David Coleman, Environmental Chaplain.
10/09/2025
Excellent adventure to visit this remote hostel and enjoy a wilderness experienceIan
08/09/2025
Beautiful spot, clean comfy beds, nicely equipped kitchen, welcoming atmosphere. Considering the remote location, Glen Affric Hostel turned out to be far better than I expected. 5 stars!Shevsky
08/09/2025
It's a remote hostel and facilities are basic but if you go there knowing this you can have a really great timeTim Leicester
06/09/2025
Thank you Scott for all of the advice and help We had a truly memorable stay in a stunning location.Pippa Barber
26/08/2025
Great to be at Alltbeithe. Well equipped hostel and friendly atmosphere. Much better facilities than I'd expected.Robert
22/08/2025
This is a very special hostel in a wonderful location and long may it continue.Jonlawfam
20/08/2025
A bothy with shower and loo - what could be better in remote Glen Affric?Gareth
18/08/2025
outstandingFrank
18/08/2025
The hostel is cosy and nice. The location is fantastic. It was a nice experience!Aline
18/08/2025
Excellent weekend, great location, character of this site and experience of the Scottish wilderness in one of the most remote youth hostels in the UK.S Clark
12/08/2025
Beautiful remote location.Yes
11/08/2025
Warm welcoming atmosphere.No
03/08/2025
The stay was everything I expected. There was temporarily no hot water for showers or drying clothes, but I had been told about that in advance, so no issue.Alex
26/07/2025
We enjoyed this YH after the 3rd day of walk of the Affric Kintail Way. It was really rainy the night we slept there. The stove, the hot shower, and the bed were more than appreciated. The warden welcomed us (even though we arrived very early). He gave us some useful updat about the weather. The overall experience was great. I recommand it for someone who is seeking a night of confort along the way.Alex
09/07/2025
Remote hostel with all you really need! Wonderful experience away from it all. Perfect location for trails and hills. Loved it!Sara
05/07/2025
A comfortable haven after a long day walking , very welcoming and friendly, comfy beds and a lovely hot stove .Gillian
28/06/2025
GreatAlan
28/06/2025
10/10: Stayed here during the Mullardoch round - perfect remote spot to break up the route. Cosy hostel with a fire, great kitchen, hot shower, and small tuck shop everything else was excellent. Warden Marine gave a warm, friendly welcome that made the stay even better. Would definitely recommend to anyone walking/hiking/cycling in the area.Harry
25/06/2025
Loved this hostel! The warden was lovely and welcoming, the beds were comfy and there was a shower! The kitchen is well stocked and there was even some tea and coffee.Lee
22/06/2025
A unique location away from conveniences of modern life and surrounded by hills, magical!PJW
12/06/2025
A great stay just for one night. It would be useful to mention that there is a shower and also drinking water available. Because of it's remoteness we had not expected that.AnnM
11/06/2025
The Bothy was a welcoming site in a wild and a spectacular location and I was so happy to be able to dry my boots next to a roaring fire and make myself a fresh cup of tea! Perfect perfect perfect!Rosie
04/06/2025
We had a fabulous weekend. Very lucky with the weather. Excellent location. Good to have unexpected basic supplies in kitchen. Lounge was comfortable for the evening with wood burners & enough space to dry wet stuff.Val
30/05/2025
Best YH in UKMyshkin
28/05/2025
Great shelter and fun place to spend the night. One of my best hostel experiences.Richard C.
26/05/2025
An amazing place to stay! It's not only the beautiful surroundings that make this YH special. The manager was very welcoming and helpful and the place cozy and clean. Perfect to come back to after a long day in the hills!Kat Jo
26/05/2025
Marred by the blocked flue in the kitchen - horrible smoky atmosphere and smell inside. It was a mistake to keep the fire going to try to produce warm water for the shower. This effort failed anyway - my shower on arrival was barely warm. On second day I settled for a cold shower.Maciej
Reasons to visit
Nestled amongst beautiful scenery, this former stalking bothy on the Glen Affric Estate is a haven for walkers and mountain bikers, nature lovers and those seeking solitude.
One for real outdoor enthusiasts, the hostel has 15 Munros on its doorstep and good tracks wind through the valleys for both walking and mountain biking.
The Falls of Glomach, a seven mile walk from the hostel, is well worth a visit.
