Hostel Winners - Scottish Outdoor and Leisure Awards

Great to see a couple of our hostel businesses have joined the list of Winners and Highly Recommended for the Scottish Outdoor and Leisure Awards #SOLA2019 Awards!

Craggan Outdoors, based in Grantown-on-Spey walked away with the accolade of ‘Best Outdoor Adventure Experience’.

Best Outdoor Adventure Experience

Speaking about the achievement, Craggan Outdoors’ Managing Director Keith Ballam said: “We are of course absolutely delighted to have the business recognised in this way. Over the years we’ve been nominated for & won various regional awards, & have previously been a finalist at a national level, but to be named as the ‘Best Outdoor Adventure Experience’ in Scotland goes above & beyond any prior achievement.”

Ardenbeg Bunkhouse, is part of the award-winning Craggan Outdoors activity centre. Ardenbeg offers good value accommodation for groups of up to 23 people.

Highly Recommended - Best Value Accommodation

In the heart of the Mabie Forest just 6 miles from Dumfries, Marthrown of Mabie offers a range of accommodation including a bunkhouse, tipis, yurt, roundhouse and woodland camping.  We were delighted to hear they were named "Highly Recommended" for "Best Value Accommodation" in the awards.  

It's been a successful run for Marthrown of Mabie, also voted "10 of the best hostels in rural Scotland" in The Guardian, earlier this year. 

Top 10 Reasons to Visit Helmsdale

Situated on the East Coast, in Sutherland in the Scottish Highlands, Helmsdale is a hidden gem of a harbour town.  Helmsdale Hostel is run by Marie who will provide you with all information you need to make the most out of your stay in Helmsdale.

Salmon Fishing

The River Helmsdale has some of the best salmon fishing in the north of Scotland. Salmon can be caught from the opening day of the season on the 11th January right through until the river closes on 30th September. Visitors can obtain permits daily or by the week.

Xmas and New Year Celebrations

A wonderful place to enjoy Christmas and/or New Year.  Helmsdale Hostel offers a cosy welcome to groups over the festive period. Open fires, spacious rooms and excellent facilities, including ensuites in dorms and private bedrooms.

Land's End John O'Groats Route

Local buses can take you to different start points on the route and the hostel has an excellent drying room if the weather is challenging! Find out more.

Gold Panning

Try your luck at Baile an Or, the site of the Great Sutherland Gold Rush of 1869. If you don’t strike it rich, you’ll still be able to enjoy the beautiful Highland scenery!

On the NC500 

The perfect stopping place on the hugely popular North Coast 500 route. If you’re on 2-wheels they’ve even got a cycle shed to store your bikes.

Timespan Museum and Arts Centre

Just by Helmsdale Bridge, you’ll find Timespan, a wonderful local museum and art gallery with a great little gift shop and café. It’s a real gem!

Wildlife Spotting

This beautiful scenic area in the North East of Scotland is a haven for wildlife, particularly famous for red deer and birdlife.

Helmsdale Beach

A wonderful place to take time out to enjoy the lovely scenery and location.  Take a good look at the beautiful rocks (the Timespan Museum has lots of info the local geology).

Helmsdale Harbour

Enjoy seasonal boat trips for some excellent bird-watching, sight-seeing and sea angling.

Proper Fish and Chips

There are some great local places to enjoy a bite to eat, some reviews claim they have the best fish and chips in the Highlands!

Find out more about Helmsdale Hostel...