Hostels And Bunkhouses
Richards Mountain Pages
Besides the YHA and SYHA hostels, many other independent hostels operate. These are usually run with a more relaxed atmosphere by enthusiasts. Of those I've stayed at so far, the quality has varied quite widely. Bunkhouses are usually a bit more basic than hostels (but not always).

I've not stayed at many independent hostels and bunkhouses yet, so here is the rather short list so far. The dates after each entry show you when I last visited, and hence wheteher it might have changed since.

Achnashellach - Gerry's Hostel (2005)
A good couple of miles from the nearest station, Gerry's hostel is one of the oldest independent hostels in the land. The place is generally well equipped, warm and comfortable, but Gerry's way of running things may not suit all who stay.

Assynt - Inchnadamph Lodge / Field Centre (2003)
Not to be confused with the neighbouring hotel, this bunkhouse has the comfy beds of a hotel and the facilities of a good hostel, plus friendly staff. Recommended

Clachan (North Uist) - Taigh Mo Sheanair (2005)
The name translates confusingly to 'my grandfathers house', and the hostel is indeed a house, complete with peat fire. Generally comfortable and with lots of games for rainy days. Not close to anything in particular. Recommended

Eigg - Glebe Barn (2004)
A plush hostel with good showers, a well equiped kitchen, and a wood burning stove. There is also a good supply of National Geographics. Situated midway between Eiggs two peaks. Recommended

Glenfinnan - Sleeping Car (2004)
This is a converted railway carriage (one of those slam door types). It has a good hot shower and all the facilities you would expect, however there is one drawback. The carriage is metal, and so if you stay in the winter like I did, it gets very very cold.

Inverie (Knoydart) - Foundation Hostel (2004)
Part of a farm, this bunkhouse is fairly basic, but has everything you need.

Inverie (Knoydart) - The Byre (2004)
Opposite the foundation bunkhouse, the byre is luxurious but expensive. For twice the price of a typical bunkouse you get underfloor heating, powerful showers, comfy beds, and just about everything you could want (except TV - there is no reception here).

Kinlochewe - Kinlochewe Hotel Bunkhouse (2004)
At the centre of the village, but this bunkhouse has no comfy chairs, and little cutlery. There is also no protection from a 7ft fall onto concrete from the top bunks.

Leverburgh (Harris) - Am Bothan (2005)
A modern purpose built hostel with a nautical theme. Well thought out, and with a good view of the sunset, should you be lucky enought to get one. Recommended

Mallaig - Sheenas Backpackers (2004)
The beds are very comfortable, but other facilities are severely limited (the two toilets are locked with the two showers, so you may have to queue. When I stayed cutlery was down to three forks). This hostel is geared to single overnight stays for people using the ferries. I didn't feel comfortable leaving any gear here during the day.

Rum - Kinloch Castle (2004)
It may be a castle, but you only get the servants quarters. The reading room offers some comfort on a rainy day, as does a tour of the plusher bits of the castle. Self catering facilities are a little limited, but the meals provided are worth having anyway.

Tarbet (Harris) - Rockview (2005)
A fairly typical bunkhouse, but suffers from too many bunks in the dormitories.

Tulloch - Station Lodge (2002)
Pretty much in the middle of nowhere, but with its own railway station (services 3X daily each way) this retreat is ideal for the Loch Trieg mountains. Its billed as a bunkhouse, but its much plusher than most hostels. Recommended
website: Station Lodge email: info@stationlodge.co.uk

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