Online accommodation platform Scottish Hostels is encouraging Brits looking for an unforgettable spring getaway to discover the magic of Scotland’s vast and stunning countryside as the destination continues to trend for 2022.
Travel has changed a lot over the past couple of years and lounging by a pool, slathered in sunscreen, cocktail in hand, is no longer atop the list for most travellers. Nowadays, nature, culture, the outdoors, walks and hiking and anything that provokes the senses seems to be the preference.
One of the best places on the planet that offers all of this is Scotland. With plenty of space, striking landscapes, warm hospitality and a variety of charming property options to spend the night, the great Scottish outdoors is proving increasingly popular as travellers explore alternative ways to enjoy a safe and enjoyable getaway during the Covid-19 pandemic.
And with the new series of romantic fantasy TV show Outlander on the horizon, there has never been a better time to discover the magic of the wild Scottish countryside.
Scottish Hostels specialise in providing cosy and often remote accommodation with shared kitchens and living areas across the country for adventurous families and couples wanting to enjoy all the comforts of self-catering with a base to come and go as they please. Most hostels now offer private rooms, some with ensuite bathrooms, elevating the traditional hostel experience to rival that of a hotel stay.
With a brand new website offering a more streamlined user experience, guests can peruse a portfolio of 75 unique properties on the Scottish Hostels platform.
Dominique Drewe-Martin, Chair of Scottish Hostels and Owner of Ballater Hostel, says, “Scottish Hostels has launched a new go-to website with a large number of independently run hostels. This means potential guests just have to look in one place for all the incredible locations to stay in Scotland – making it quick, clear and really easy to use. We’ve found that guests like having everything in one place – a one-stop shop. Thus, we’ve hugely benefited from being part of the SH group.
“Whether it’s bagging a Monro, exploring Glen Coe or delving into Scotland’s heritage, our members own independent hostels across the country and are experts in local history and experiences. This means that guests can benefit from real insider knowledge and discover hidden gems you won’t find in many tourist guides.”
The new website launch is perfectly timed as booking figures show that interest in Scotland continues to rise amongst Brits. Research by camping specialists Pitchup.com showed a remarkable 100 % increase in bookings of Scottish campsites, caravan parks and glamping accommodation comparing 2020 (18,547 bookings) to 2021 (35,050 bookings).
Meanwhile, Campervan rental experts Indie Campers also noted a steep jump in interest in the region, with bookings from their Edinburgh centre overtaking their two other UK depots in London and Manchester by 43% and 27%, respectively, when comparing figures from November 2021 until February 2022.
Dominique adds, “Scotland is a diverse and exciting country, and by staying in a Scottish Independent Hostel, it offers a new way to stay and explore in 2022.”
With a variety of welcoming accommodation options on their books, the Scottish Independent Hostels team has shared a variety of affordable and modern properties with availability over the spring months for travellers wanting to explore all that Scotland has to offer during this romantic time of year.
Comrie Croft
Conveniently located within an hour’s drive from both Edinburgh and Glasgow, the 200-year-old farmstead of Comrie Croft is set amongst the rugged hills and glens of the Southern Highlands. It offers a variety of glamping, eco-camping and hostel options within its grounds, making it the perfect place to get away from it all for some quality time.
Explore the striking local landscape on foot or two wheels, with an onsite bike centre inviting you to enjoy a gentle family route or adrenalin-fuelled mountain bike adventure. With a relaxed and informal atmosphere, Comrie Croft also makes for a great wedding venue for those who love a house party or festival vibe.
Marthrown of Mabie
Cocooned in a magical woodland setting with magnificent views, Marthrown of Mabie is a remote – yet easily accessible – family glamping and wedding venue near Dumfries in the South West of Scotland. Guests will be spoilt for choice with the choice of holiday cottages to traditional Celt roundhouses, romantic yurt or tipi glamping tents. Even better, this popular forest destination lacks absolutely no creature comforts despite its rural location.
From Wi-fi to USB charging plugs, hot tub and sauna facilities, TVs and DVD players, hot showers, fridge freezers and more, visitors will not be missing any of modern life’s crucial amenities. Due to its beautiful setting, Marthrown of Mabie is also a popular wedding venue with various romantic spaces to choose from.
Argyll Backpackers
This is a custom-built and accessible hostel that wows with stunning views over Loch Fyne, Arran and the Cowal Hills. The property boasts seven ensuite bedrooms of various sizes but is also available to rent in its entirety for those who want to stay amongst themselves in their own group. There is also a spacious lounge, a well-equipped kitchen with access for guests with mobility impairments, several outdoor seating areas, and a BBQ/firepit.
A small beach is within easy reach, the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring. While there is no onsite restaurant or café, the hostel has a mini shop with a limited selection of products, with ‘breakfast bags’ and takeaway delivery available upon request and at an extra charge. In the winter months (until April 1st 2022), Argyll Backpackers is available only for ‘sole use’ for up to 23 guests or as part hostel’ sole use’ for up to 13 guests. Alternatively, the ‘Wee Snug’ private apartment accommodates up to 4 guests.
Saddle Mountain Hostel
This is a comfortable and modern four-star property in the village of Invergarry in the Great Glen and sits on the doorstep of many great attractions such as the famous Ben Nevis mountain, the Steall Waterfall, and the Jacobite Steam Train. The hostel was shortlisted for hospitality awards in both 2019 and 2020, a testament to the great location, well-kept facilities and warm welcome that awaits.
Saddle Mountain Hostel has four private bedrooms with either ensuite or private bathroom access and one mixed dormitory sleeping up to four people. There is also a spacious and bright kitchen, a dining room, lounge and drying room.
Glenbeg Bunkhouse & Bothy
Located in the Cairngorms National Park, Glenbeg Bunkhouse & Bothy sits in a quiet rural estate just a few miles outside Grantown – on – Spey, a convenient stop for those wanting to hit the North Coast 500, North East 250 or Malt Whiskey Trail. The converted ‘Bunkhouse’ farmhouse can sleep up to 27 people over three rooms, while the cosy ‘Bothy’ fits up to six guests, all on the same floor.
Both buildings have central heating to keep them dry and warm year-round. The Bothy is also suitable for guests with disabilities and has an especially equipped wetroom. There are flat-screen TVs and DVD players in both buildings for a cosy movie night (although the TV has deliberately not been connected) as well as facilities to plug in gaming consoles. Over the New Year’s period, the Glenbeg Bothy is available for hire.
Fraoch Lodge
Situated just 30 minutes from Inverness and 40 minutes from Loch Ness, the quaint Fraoch Lodge offers a desirable location on the edge of the Speyside Way walking trail and the Speyside Malt Whisky Trail. To offer a safe environment, the original layout of the lodge is now divided into two units accommodating individual groups offering two bedrooms and two bathrooms each.
The kitchen facilities are shared and can only be used one group at a time, but each has its own breakfast room. There is a large garden with a trampoline and BBQ area. Rooms for New Year’s getaways are available from December 27th 2021, until January 2nd 2022.
Forest Way Bunkhouse
Situated close to the Braemore Junction, the picturesque Forest Way Bunkhouse is ideally located to tour the North West Highlands. The charming village of Ullapool is only 9 miles up the road, with many mountains and beaches nearby. Guests choosing this hostel are in the perfect spot to enjoy stunning scenery, fresh seafood and delightful walks.
The Bunkhouse was built in 2009 and provides a pleasant and clean environment with modern facilities such as underfloor heating and reliable hot showers. There are two private rooms and one dormitory, all with ensuite bathrooms. The hostel sleeps up to 10 people in total and is available for exclusive use from £140 per night.
Skye Basecamp
Skye Basecamp is located in Broadford on the beautiful Isle of Skye and offers a “home from home” with a selection of private rooms and stunning views across Broadford Bay. Located in the town centre, you have all amenities such as petrol stations, bars and restaurants on your doorstep, while also being close to nature.
A local beach is just two minutes away from the hostel, where otters and other wildlife are frequently spotted. The Beinn na Caillich, a local hill, tempts hikers to test their stamina from the horizon. The perfect base for keen walkers and outdoor enthusiasts, Skye Basecamp is run by Skye Guides, the island’s biggest provider of professional instruction and guidance for walking & climbing.
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