If your backpacking trip is taking you to Edinburgh and you're looking for a hostel where it's actually easy to meet people, you'll likely find Castle Rock Hostel popping up on Hostelworld and elsewhere. Set right in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle in the middle of the Old Town, it's known for its huge and varied common areas, relaxed social atmosphere, and daily social events that bring travellers together naturally - where that's over drinks, games, pub crawls, Scottish danc

Planning a backpacking trip around Scotland? Want to make the most of your experience without breaking the bank? Where you stay can shape the whole experience - Edinburgh is a bustling backpacker hub full of museums and history, while the Highlands offers scenic views alongside incredible activities from hiking Ben Nevis to kayaking on Loch Ness.

Travelling through Scotland this summer and looking to make the most of your trip without the hassle of having to rent a car? With a little bit of planning you can easily travel across the Highlands and stay in affordable social hostels in incredible locations with scenic views.

Fort William makes a fantastic base for exploring the Highlands - known as the adventure capital of Scotland, it sits in the shadow of Ben Nevis and has unrivalled access to walking, hiking, wild swimming, climbing and more. Whether you're staying for a few nights or heading on to your next destination, we've put together all the places you can visit directly from Fort William on the £2 bus scheme here.

I went on my third backpacking trip to Skye recently from Edinburgh, and it reminded me just how much has changed in recent years! You can now journey around the Highlands for just £2 on buses, massively cutting the cost from what it was even a few years ago. Even then, the Isle of Skye has a reputation for being one of Scotland's most expensive destinations, so here are my top recommendations for anyone looking to journey to the Misty Hebridean Isle this summer while backpac

Known as one of the most social backpackers hostels in the city, Castle Rock also offers the kind of flexible spaces and relaxed atmosphere that make it surprisingly workable for digital nomads. If you’re looking for a place where you can log on, get your work done, and then actually have people to hang out with afterwards, here’s what it’s really like to stay here.

Looking for an affordable place to stay in Edinburgh without ending up somewhere dull, cramped, or far from the action? The good news is in Scotland's capital, you don’t have to choose between price and experience.

Travelling as a couple in Edinburgh usually means choosing between pricey hotels or rolling the dice on a hostel. How can you as a backpacker couple make the most of your time in the city while still finding space for valuable time with each other? Royal Mile Backpackers sits right in the sweet spot: cosy, central, and genuinely social without being loud or overwhelming.

If you're wondering whether there's a social backpackers hostel that makes it easy to meet people while visiting, the short answer is yes - Lochside Hostel is located directly on Loch Ness, and is well known for its daily social events, beachside setting, and relaxed, welcoming vibe. Lochside isn't just a place to sleep, it's a place where solo travellers can hike, kayak, eat, dance and swim together.

The good news is that you don’t need to head deep into the Highlands or book an expensive tour to see these big fluffy, friendly beasts! You can travel a short distance to Swanston Farm where you can spot Highland cows, and enjoy nearby walking routes in the scenic Pentland Hills.

Kayaking on Loch Ness is one of the most exciting ways to explore the water and head out Nessie-hunting, and many backpackers ask whether you can rent a kayak without booking an expensive tour. The answer is yes you can kayak on Loch Ness, and you can now rent kayaks directly from your hostel without booking a tour. With the new Yak Shack kayak and stand-up paddleboard rental service based directly at Lochside Hostel, you can now hire a kayak on Loch Ness and get straight ont

Looking for a welcoming social vibe for your trip to the Scottish Highlands? Look no further than the Lochside Hostel in Loch Ness - scenically located on the banks of the Loch with its own pebble beach, kayak hire, and situated just minutes from the world-famous Great Glen Way Hiking Route, you'll never be short of things to do.

Whether you're staying for a night before heading further into the more remote parts of the Highlands or staying for a few days, you'll be charmed by this small, walkable city with a welcoming feel, and there's plenty for backpackers to pack into a trip to Inverness.

Absolutely - Edinburgh offers a diverse range of queer-inclusive social backpackers hostels, alongside an inclusive vibe as a city. With LGBTQIA+ owned bookshops, breweries, bars and walking tours, you can combine a day exploring with fantastic queer club nights and drag shows at night, all in a city with a walkable, friendly atmosphere.

We can't wait to see you! Thanks for booking a stay at our awesome cosy, social, friendly hostel on the shores of Loch Ness.

It's now easier than ever for backpackers on a budget to explore the Scottish Highlands - you can take advantage of an incredible range of day trips and travel routes, from the dramatic mountains of the Isle of Skye to secluded castles and the starting points for picturesque hiking trails.

In this guide, we'll explain how the new £2 bus fare works, which routes you can take to reach unforgettable social hostels, and how you can use it to travel between some of the best backpacker destinations including Loch Ness without breaking the bank.

Edinburgh is most backpackers' first destination when visiting Scotland, and its' easy to see why - the Scottish capital is compact, historic, walkable, and packed with things to see and do, from castles to museums, parks to hilltop hikes, bars to unmissable festivals.

With an entirely free social event programme offer up everything from relaxed quiz nights and pool tournaments, through to dance workshops and walking tours, you'll never be short of something to do at High Street Hostel - the perfect balance between social and chill.