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Gairloch Sands Youth Hostel

eee - 0745 127 3975
Gairloch Sands Youth Hostel, Carn Dearg Gairloch Ross-Shire, Gairloch -0745 127 3975
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4.35
HOTEL RATING: 
EXCELLENT
4.35 out of 5 (347 Ratings)
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The Spotlight on Gairloch Sands Youth Hostel

Highland Hideaway with a Laid-back Vibe

Modern convenience meets rustic charm at Gairloch Sands Youth Hostel, a lochside lodge nestled along the northern shores of Loch Gairloch. Surrounded by sandy beaches and panoramic views of the Torridon Hills and Isle of Skye, this hostel offers a peaceful base for music fans heading to gigs in the Scottish Highlands. With a mix of shared and private rooms, free WiFi, and cozy common areas, it's a great launchpad for a scenic concert getaway.

Why Concert-goers love it

Though remote, this hostel is a quiet retreat after the buzz of a live show, perfect for unwinding with a nightcap and mountain views. The self-catering kitchen and communal lounge make it easy to keep the vibe going with fellow travelers. While check-in starts at 17:00 and checkout is by 10:00, the relaxed atmosphere and free on-site parking make logistics simple for road-tripping music fans. Local buses and taxis are available, but a car is recommended for late-night returns.

Who this Hotel is great for

  • Groups of friends looking for an affordable base with shared spaces
  • Solo travelers chasing bucket-list gigs with mountain scenery
  • Couples seeking a romantic, low-key concert weekend
  • Fans needing a quiet recovery space after a high-energy show
  • Budget-conscious music lovers who don’t mind shared amenities

Food and Drink Options

A self-catering kitchen gives you flexibility for late-night eats, and the hostel offers breakfast basics like cereal, yogurt, and fruit—ideal after a late night out. While there’s no 24/7 room service, you can unwind with a local beer, malt whisky, or glass of wine from the licensed lounge. A small shop five minutes away helps with snacks and essentials.

Nightlife Options

While the hostel itself is quiet, nearby Gairloch has a few pubs and local spots where you might catch live music or grab a drink. But the real post-show magic here is sipping whisky in the panoramic lounge, watching the sun dip behind Skye.

What People Say

Guests love the stunning views, friendly staff, and the hostel’s warm, community vibe. Reviews highlight how clean the facilities are despite being shared, and many appreciate the peaceful setting as the perfect contrast to a loud night out. It’s often described as “cozy, scenic, and surprisingly social.”

Areas for Improvement

If you're looking for luxury or en-suite bathrooms, this may not be your spot. Some guests mention the check-in time (17:00) is later than expected, and you’ll want to plan meals in advance since dining options nearby can be limited at night. Bring earplugs if you're in a shared room and want uninterrupted sleep.

The Bottom Line

For concert-goers wanting a budget-friendly, scenic escape with a chill vibe and stunning views, Gairloch Sands Youth Hostel is a hidden gem in the Highlands.
Enter Your Dates
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4
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7
1 room
7
2 guests
Amenities View More
y
Free Internet
j
Free Parking
w
Non Smoking
r
Pets Allowed
x
Free Breakfast
u
Swimming Pool
E
Fitness Center
A
Business Center
B
Airport Shuttle
q
Accessible
Other Amenities
` Free Parking
` Garden
` Golf Course
` Fishing
` Canoeing
` Cycling
` Heating
` Snack bar
` Shared kitchen
` Shared lounge/TV area
` Beachfront
` On-site parking
` Designated Smoking Area
` Family Rooms
` Free Wi-Fi
` Horseback Riding
` Picnic Area
` Non-Smoking Rooms Available
` Wine/champagne
` Pet bowls
` Outdoor furniture
` Key access
` Smoke alarms
` Fire extinguishers
` Guests can opt-out of daily cleaning service
` Staff follow all safety protocols as directed by local authorities
` First aid kit available
` Cashless payment available
` Linens, towels and laundry washed in accordance with local authority guidelines
` Hand sanitizer in guest accommodation and key areas
` Invoices
` All plates, cutlery, glasses and other tableware have been sanitized
` Contactless check-in/out
` Daily disinfection
` Luggage storage & lockers
` Non-smoking property
` Pets allowed (charges may apply)

Gairloch Sands Youth Hostel Guest Reviews

Overall Average Score: 
Excellent (4.35 out of 5)

Write a review

4.5

Wonderful - 4.5 out of 5

Adrian Thu, 24 July 2025

A gem among the youth...

Liked: Very clean and well organised. Cosy lounge overlooking the loch. Spacious rooms. Very friendly staff

5

Exceptional - 5.0 out of 5

Daniel Thu, 17 July 2025

Gairloch Youth Hostel is the...

Liked: I lived the location facing one of the most beautiful views on the British isles.The breakfast was reasonable too.zI don't usually sleep well in hostels but slept right through. Thanks Sara and Duncan for your hospitality I'll be back
Disliked: Nothing

0.5

Poor - 0.5 out of 5

Gordon Wed, 16 July 2025

Very dissapointing stay but it...

Liked: The location was lovely.
Disliked: Odd opening hours, shower didn’t work, towels smelled, I couldn’t understand a word any of the staff said (I’m Scottish and so were they), they didn’t show me around the place or explain anything. It was my worst youth hostel experience.

4.5

Wonderful - 4.5 out of 5

Demaeght Sat, 12 July 2025

Comfortable youth hostel with wonderful...

Liked: Beautiful old youth hostel
Disliked: Nothing. A bit expensive like everything at this time in Scotland.

3.5

Good - 3.5 out of 5

Gerry Sat, 12 July 2025

Stunning location just outside Gairloch...

Liked: Stunning location looking out over the water - great views from the common room. It is a short drive from Gairloch Village - or about a 50 minute walk which I did. Also just a short walk to Big Sands Campsite where there is a shop and a cafe/ restaurant with takeaway - and a long beach. Property was very clean and staff approachable. I stayed for three nights in the male dorm which you access through the dining room/ kitchen - which actually was ok as it felt detached from the main building with a shower room/ bathroom right outside . Good value for money.
Disliked: This is quite a small property and the common areas got busy and full. There was also limited outside seating space which is a pity as the views are stunning.

4.5

Wonderful - 4.5 out of 5

Anonymous Fri, 11 July 2025

Superb

4.5

Wonderful - 4.5 out of 5

Mhairi Tue, 8 July 2025

Superb

Liked: Booking, check-in, and checkout was simple and straightforward. Staff were friendly and accommodating. The beds were clean and comfortable.
Disliked: We arrived Friday evening and the bathrooms were smelly and not clean. However, by Saturday evening they had been cleaned by the lovely Sarah and we felt able to use the showers.

4.5

Wonderful - 4.5 out of 5

Archie Tue, 8 July 2025

Superb

5

Exceptional - 5.0 out of 5

Gascoigne Tue, 8 July 2025

Exceptional

Liked: The lady wot run it was vary helpful couldn't done a nuff for us lovely lady
Disliked: Thir was nothing we didn't like it was fantastic

4

Very Good - 4.0 out of 5

Gary Mon, 7 July 2025

Very good location and good...

Liked: Location and staff

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Gairloch Sands Youth Hostel Carn Dearg Gairloch Ross-Shire, Gairloch