HOSTELLING SCOTLAND, a self-funding charity that celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2021, had a winning year as TORRIDON Youth Hostel won Gold and LOCH OSSIAN Youth Hostel won Silver in the hostel or bunkhouse of the year category in THE GREAT OUTDOORS READER AWARDS 2021.
Having received a large number of public nominations in the magazine’s tenth Reader Awards, two of the most iconic Youth Hostels in Scotland were shortlisted in the category against stiff competition from YHA (England & Wales) plus independent hostels and bunkhouses throughout the UK.
Hostelling Scotland is a self-funding charity operating a network of nearly 60 exceptional youth and affiliate hostels for the benefit of all those wishing to learn and experience what Scotland has to offer.
Their unique sites provide affordable, comfortable, safe and quality-assured accommodation with a warm friendly welcome, local knowledge, activities and services for guests travelling around Scotland.
Margo Paterson, CEO of Hostelling Scotland, said, “We are delighted to have achieved a Gold TGO award for Torridon Youth Hostel and Silver for Loch Ossian Youth Hostel at these prestigious awards in this our 90th Anniversary year. These awards are fitting tributes to the dedication and hard work of the Youth Hostel teams involved and we are grateful to everyone who voted for us.”
A Silver Award winner in the 2020 Awards, the dog friendly Torridon Youth Hostel enjoys a fantastic setting on the NC500 at the head of Upper Loch Torridon. The 4.5 (out of 5) star guest-rated hostel is a popular base for hillwalkers, climbers, and those simply wishing to relax and enjoy the magnificent scenery and local wildlife of the NW Highlands.
The mighty mountain Liathach, with its two Munros, spectacular pinnacles and one of the most challenging ridge walks in Scotland, towers above the hostel. Other activities in the area include mountain biking, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Loch Ossian Youth Hostel sits on the southern shore of Loch Ossian and can only be accessed on foot or by bike from the nearby Corrour railway station (the highest mainline railway station in the UK).
The traditional and homely eco-hostel (locally sourced hydro power complimenting the micro generated solar power supply, composting toilets, a reed bed grey water drainage system, and even bat-friendly paint) makes a perfect year-round escape for walkers looking to explore the remote wilderness of Rannoch Moor.
With a 4.5 (out of 5) star guest rating, it has plenty of low- and high-level walks to choose from, including a variety of Munros and Corbetts. Popular with cyclists, star gazers, wildlife watchers, groups, and families, it’s a great venue for a group getaway or a peaceful break.
Images: Hostelling Scotland
Traynor On The Trail 