Don't think this is a day sat on a bus staring out the window - this tour will get you out and about on hikes, having sips of whisky with new pals, and maybe even a dip in some mythical waters with healing powers.

Were you with us on our last FREE weekly Edinburgh backpackers' pub crawl? Got FOMO? Want to see if you can find that picture of yourself from last night before things got a wee bit blurry? Or that stunning group pic?

If you're short on time but want to pack in some of Scotland's most iconic sights during your trip to our wee country, Macbackpackers has the answer for you. The new Highland Cows & Castles Day Trip is a jam-packed 10-hour adventures designed for budget travellers and backpackers aged 18-35 who want a taste of the Highlands without the overnight stay.

Travelling to the Isle of Skye used to be an expensive business from anywhere in the country - going back just to the start of the year a one-way bus ticket from the Highland Capital of Inverness would set you back something around ~£30. But backpackers heading to the Scottish Highlands & Islands this summer have had a massive game-changing stroke of luck - you can now make this journey by bus for just £2.

Pitlochry, located in Highland Perthshire around just two hours on the bus or train from the Scottish Capital Edinburgh, has been named Britain's 'most exciting place to see theatre' by national newspaper The Herald this week. We're diving into why this hidden gem is a must-do on any backpacking itinerary in the Highlands this summer.

Good news! We're bringing down prices for selected dates the rest of this June at our central, vibrant, social Castle Rock Hostel. With 3 large lounges catering to all vibes from social to laid-back, daily social events including a free Solo Traveller Meet-Up, a well-equipped kitchen, and free tea & coffee 24/7, it's the perfect backpacker stay in the city centre.

Looking at a last minute city break this June? Backpacking around Europe and not sure what your next stop should be? Edinburgh, the Scottish Capital, can sometimes be a pricey place to stay, but with cheap Ryanair & Easyjet flights from most of Europe landing in the city, it's certainly an affordable place to get to.

While many brave souls bring along packed down camping gear with them, you might want to consider taking the hostel route along this picturesque trail. Scottish weather is famously unpredictable, and the hostels along the route all offer a fantastic balance of affordability, comfort, and an opportunity to spend your evenings meeting other hikers, bikers, and backpackers from all across the world.

We're not usually the ones to blow our own bagpipes, but when the global travel community speaks, it's rude not to. Our Edinburgh hostels have consistently won Hostelworld's HOSCARs, among the most well-recognised awards in the backpacking industry, for their inclusive atmospheres, incredible buildings, commitment to sustainability, central location, and welcoming staff.

Sceptic? Believer? Either way, nobody travels to Loch Ness without at least secretly hoping to spot a mysterious ripple in the water. The myth, the legend, ultimate hide and seek champion, Nessie could be jut a glance away. But you don't need to be on the shores of Loch Ness to join the hunt anymore. We've launched Nessiecam, our official Live Loch Ness Webcam, to give monster hunters the upper hand.

Let's be honest, your trip to Scotland won't feel complete until you've come face-to-face with a Highland Cow. These majestic, fluffy beasts are known to locals and backpackers alike as Hairy Coos, and there's no better place to encounter them than against the stunning backdrop of mythical Loch Ness.

So you want to visit the Scottish Highlands, you open up Google Maps and look for the best way to head from Edinburgh up North, and maybe you wonder if you're missing something? That was certainly my case when I first looked at travelling up North, it felt like it should just be easier to visit the top destinations like Loch Ness, the Isle of Skye, and Glencoe than having to bus-hop endlessly.

A picture might be worth a thousand words, but when it comes to our free Edinburgh backpackers pub crawl, a picture is usually worth about three discount Jägerbombs, two new best friends from the other side of the world, and a slightly blurry memory of singing 500 Miles at the top of your lungs.

Castle Rock Hostel in Edinburgh has built up a reputation for being one of Europe's biggest and best social backpackers hostels. From winning awards at the Hostelworld HOSCARS consistently every year, through to the thousands of reviews mentioning engaging staff, fun organised events, and a great atmosphere each evening, you'll be sure to get the most of your backpacking trip to Edinburgh with a stay at Castle Rock.

Backpacking around the Scottish Highlands without a car can sometimes feel complicated, but it's getting easier thanks to Edinburgh-based bus company Ember opening up new direct routes that are changing the game for travelling this scenic part of the world.

Lochside Hostel is the only hostel on Loch Ness with its own beach, kayak hire, and is located right along the Great Glen Way hiking route. The best part? The hostel hosts daily activities and events to bring together guests from all over the world. Think traditional Scottish dance nights,

Heading to Edinburgh on your backpacking trip and looking for the best bars where you can meet people without breaking the bank? Whether you're looking for cheap pints, live music, late-night dancing, or a place to chill out, we've got you covered.

If you're backpacking through the Scottish Highlands and Islands, you're likely to find Oban a very welcome surprise (just as I did). Perched on the West Coast, close to Fort William, this harbour town has plenty to do without the bustle and price of a bigger city like Edinburgh. It's a slow-paced, scenic and affordable place to visit.