Experience the wonders of Northern Scotland

Research shows that the “staycation” is here to stay - so why not take your holiday in the north of Scotland this summer? Whether you’re looking for a peaceful, relaxing break, or high adrenalin activity and adventure, you’ll find it in the North of Scotland. The dramatic scenery, wonderful beaches, fantastic wildlife and historic sites offer something for everyone. We’ve put together some destinations which are well worth a visit.

Ullapool
A picturesque fishing village, Ullapool offers a range of facilities and activities for the perfect highland holiday. Activities range from hill walking to diving and the well known Loopallu family music festival is a highlight not to be missed. Calmac ferries sail from Ullapool to Stornoway for easy access to the Isle of Lewis and its beautiful, sandy beaches. Ullapool Youth Hostel has a fabulous location on the harbour, right next to the ferries, buses, pubs, cafes and famous seafood restaurants.

Achininver
For keen walkers, Achininver Youth Hostel can be reached from Ullapool, all in a day’s walk. Achininver Youth Hostel is a charming rustic Youth  Hostel situated two miles east of Achiltibuie between the beach and the mountains. The views here are truly breathtaking, it is the ideal destination for wildlife watching, or just relaxing. For the energetic, fantastic hill and coastal walks start from the door. Ben Mor Coigach, directly behind the Youth Hostel offers stunning views of Stac Polliadh and Horse Sound.

Achmelvich Beach
The small rustic Youth Hostel at Achmelvich Beach is situated right next to a beautiful white sandy beach, which is listed in the Good Beach Guide.  It is an ideal location to watch the abundance of wildlife or for keen walkers there are plenty of unrivalled coastal paths.  Anyone who visits the delights of Achmelvich Beach is rarely disappointed with this remote and peaceful location.

Durness
The landscape at Durness is wild and spectacular, mountains and sea, cliffs and waterfalls, beaches and rainbows. Durness Youth Hostel is only a 3 minute walk from the infamous Smoo Cave – 200 feet long, 130 feet wide and 50 feet high, a must see for anyone visiting the area. Durness is a great spot for wildlife watching and has the most beautiful beaches to walk along. The more active traveller can climb Ben Hope – Scotland’s most northerly Munro and, if you are a Beatles fan, you can visit the John Lennon memorial garden. The man himself used to enjoy holidaying in Durness.

Tongue
Tongue is an attractive village dominated by the ruined Caisteal Bharraigh and by Ben Loyal to its south. It is an ideal place for a peaceful and relaxing get away with many routes available for cycling and walking around this beautiful area. Situated right on the shores of Loch Tongue, the Youth Hostel has beautifully furnished, spacious rooms with views that will make you slow your pace.

John O’Groats
The extreme northern point of Britain offers wonderful coastal walks and seabird watching. John O’Groats Youth Hostel is set in the peaceful village of Canisbay, with wonderful views across the Pentland Firth to Orkney. Close to the Youth Hostel are many craft workshops and access to a beach where grey seals can be spotted. Take a walk or a short drive along the north coast to Duncansby Head Lighthouse and then on to the massive rock stacks, ‘The Stacks of Duncansby’. From John O’Groats you can take the passenger ferry across to Orkney, where you can stay at Kirkwall Youth Hostel. The Gills Bay ferry terminal is just around the corner.

Kirkwall
With its world renowned historic monuments and spectacular wildlife and scenery, there is so much to see and do in Orkney.  Kirkwall Youth Hostel is situated only 15 minutes walk from the town centre and has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.  Kirkwall is also an excellent base for scuba diving old wrecks in Scapa Flow, birdwatching, fishing and exploring the many stoneage sites throughout the islands. And for whisky lovers, the Highland Park distillery is based just outside Kirkwall and from May-August, tours run every half hour.

It is recommended that you book your bed ahead for all of these popular destinations.

Driving in the north of Scotland entails use of many stretches of single track road.  Please drive with care.