Hello Autumn (Part 3) | Top Tips for Scotland’s most Vibrant Season

Ballater Hostel, Cairngorms National Park

A great spot in the centre of Ballater, near Balmoral, on the east side of the spectacular Cairngorms National Park.

• Fantastic range of activities available throughout the National Park, all with the backdrop of the most colourful scenery.
• Sample one of Scotland’s most exclusive whiskies at the nearby Royal Lochnagar Distillery 
• Hire the whole hostel for groups or family gatherings - available for New Year!

Craignure Bunkhouse, Isle of Mull, Inner Hebrides

Explore miles of stunning coastline with amazing wildlife, the autumn colours are spectacular! 

• Tobermory is a great place to stop and stock up on local produce. 
• Venture out and discover the tiny, enchanting Isle of Iona. 
• Availability for group/room bookings over Christmas and New Year

Isle of Muck Hostel, Inner Hebrides

A great place from which to explore the wonderful island of Muck, which is part of the Small Isles, on the west coast of Scotland. Warm and comfortable accommodation awaits whatever the weather!

• Perfect for walkers and wildlife enthusiasts.  Visit seal colony, white sandy beaches and take a walk up to the highest point on the island, Beinn Airein.
• Panoramic sea views at every turn making for a memorable holiday. 
• Winter special: mid Oct-mid March £350/week excluding New Year week.

Comrie Croft, Southern Highlands

Comrie Croft is awash with outdoor adventure opportunities over the autumn and winter. 

• Test out the biking trails, hiking trails and bushcraft skills
• If the weather has you heading for shelter, the Famous Grouse and Auchingarrich Wildlife Centre are nearby. 
• Comrie Croft Events: Wee Nosy Wedding Fair on 16th Nov 12 - 3pm. Winter/Christmas Market on 17th Nov 2 - 5pm

Hello Autumn (Part 2) | Top Tips for Scotland’s most Vibrant Season

Ardenbeg Bunkhouse, Craggan Outdoors, Cairngorms National Park 

There is a huge amount of activities available all year round, and there are family discounts and mid-week breaks in the autumn and winter.

• Enjoy autumn mountain biking at Glenbeg, with views across to the Cairngorms and Cromdale Hills
• Craggan Fishery (sneak in before it closes in October) offers the most scenic setting in the Aviemore and Cairngorms area.
• Learn some Bear Grylls survival skills on the bushcraft sessions the centre runs.

Coll Bunkhouse, Isle of Coll, Hebrides

Experience Autumnal Scotland at its best with beautiful beaches, fantastic wildlife and unspoiled wilderness all on your doorstep.

• Awesome night sky on your doorstep, Coll is Scotland’s only island International Dark Sky Community. 
• Enjoy the white sands and temperate winter climate
• Tasty, hearty food served locally

Forest Way, North West Highlands 

This hostel is in the heart of Strathmore next to the River Broom and marvellous mountain scenery. There are lots of wonderful spots for enjoying the autumn colours.

• Brave the walk across the Corrieshalloch Gorge suspension bridge as the River Droma rushes through a mile-long box canyon below. 
• You’ll spot rare trees and shrubs on the Lael Forest walking trail 
• And if that’s not enough, there’s more Munros and Corbetts than you can shake a stick at!

Callander Hostel, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park

Autumn is glorious in The Trossachs. Set in one of Callander's oldest and most distinctive buildings, Callander Hostel is hostelling at its very best!

• The famous Loch Katrine and Sir Walter Scott Steamboat is not to be missed.  
• Enjoy a weekend of fun and music at the Callander Jazz and Blues Festival from Friday 4-6th October 
• Hostel Offers: November to Feb - sole occupancy of the hostel for £350 per night (excluding Christmas and New Year).  New Year for £500 per night (minimum of 2 nights stay). 

Hello Autumn (Part 1) | Top Tips for Scotland’s most Vibrant Season

1. The landscape is spectacular. From late September and through to November, enjoy the fiery autumn leaves and bright blue skies.
2. The weather is still mild, but there is a good excuse to get cosy in the cooler evenings.
3. Crowds have thinned leaving you to explore without the queues
4. Skies can be the bluest of blues and the air is super fresh!
5. Our hostels offer you a warm welcome and a cosy bed for the night

Here are a few ideas of where you can go and what you can do:

Galloway Activity Centre, Hostel on the shores of Loch Ken

This family-run centre offers a huge number of activities all year round. Don't miss:

• The starry skies - the Galloway Forest Park has Dark Sky status, with extremely low levels of light pollution  making it ideal for night gazers and star spotters. 
• The 7 Stanes mountain biking heaven - situated right in the middle of 5 out of the 7Stanes venues.  
• Nightime Laser tag - added excitement with a nighttime battle!

Not forgetting fun sessions in sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing as well as dry activities such as archery, climbing, mountain biking and outdoor laser-quest.

Loch Ness Backpackers, On the Great Glen Way

Loch Ness Backpackers is a warm and friendly little hostel with a relaxed atmosphere. 

• Urquhart Castle, spectacular in the autumn colours
• Loch Ness and the Monster Exhibitions, Nessie often appears when the summer holidays are over...
• Walking trails are truly magical in the autumn. The hostel is next to the Great Glen Way and nearby Glen Africa and the Falls of Foyers. 

Ardtornish Estate Bunkhouse, Loch Aline

On Scotland's west coast, the Ardtornish Estate spreads out around Loch Aline, a huge, wooded, U-shaped bay, a natural haven.

• Get muddy, breathe deeply, relax completely and soak up the sheer beauty of this wonderful part of west Scotland.
• Join the photography workshop and capture the rugged mountains, stunning coastlines, freshwater lochs, ancient woodlands and heather moorland.
• Ring in the New Year at ceilidh hosted in the grand hall of Ardtornish house.  Free entry for guests to these not-to-be-missed Hogmany celebrations.

Helmsdale Hostel, North East of Scotland 

Newly refurbished, enjoy the welcoming open fire, cosy dorms and private bedrooms.

• The perfect stop off on the NC500 and Land's End John O'Groats Route
• Bracing walks on the pristine sandy beaches.
• Visit the award-winning Timespan Heritage Centre