Craving fresh air, big skies and a break from the modern world? Across the UK, a network of hidden-away hostels offers just that. Tucked deep into valleys, perched beside lochs, or nestled in remote islands, these off-grid escapes take some effort to reach – but that’s the point. Start hostel walking now!
Whether you arrive by mountain trail, ferry or even the world’s shortest flight, these hostels promise peace, wild beauty and the kind of stay you’ll never forget.
Most remote hostels in the UK
YHA Black Sail, Lake District
Pegged as Britain’s most remote youth hostel, YHA Black Sail is also one of the oldest hostels in the UK, having started life as a shepherd’s bothy (find the best bothies in Britain here) used for sheltering in the mountains. The YHA hostel opened in 1933 and remains accessibly only on foot in its stunning location in the Ennerdale Valley.
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Elenydd Hostels, Ceredigion
Located in the heart of rural Mid Wales, Elenydd is a duo of independent hostels previously run by the YHA. Dolgoch Hostel and Ty’n Cornel, Ceredigion are perfect for those seeking solitude – “where the cry of the red kite is more common than the sound of a car.”
Achmelvich Beach Youth Hostel, Scottish Highlands
Sat beside a stunning, white sandy beach, Achmelvich Beach Youth Hostel is a perfect getaway for those wanting to escape the shackles of day-to-day life. With no WiFi, the hostel is accessible only via a single-track road and is a stone’s throw from the beautiful shores of Achmelvich Beach (one of the best beaches in Scotland) itself.
It’s a great spot to explore the unspoilt coastline and secluded beaches of the Highlands. Achmelvich is also home to what is believed to be Europe’s smallest castle, known by locals as Hermit’s Castle. Built in the 1950s, the small concrete castle was then abandoned and was later vandalised.
YHA Tanners Hatch Surrey Hills, Surrey
Cancel the commute and run away from reality at this charming cottage surrounded by National Trust woodland. Don’t expect phone reception, WiFi or TV, but it’s a great place to have a full digital detox against the backdrop of the beautiful nearby Polesden Lacey estate, also cared for by the National Trust. This hostel is only available on an exclusive hire basis, however, so you’ll need to rent the entire place and bring a group of up to 15 people to fill the beds.
Papa Westray Hostel, Orkney
Fan of The Outrun, Amy Liptrot’s memoir and film about life in Orkney? Live out your daydreams by visiting Papa Westray (one of Orkney’s smallest islands) and experience it yourself. Papa Westray Hostel is an independent hostel within walking distance of beaches, archaeological and historic sites and RSPB North Hill Nature Reserve. All you need to do is get there.
Loganair operates a very short flight between Westray and Papa Westray, which is believed to be the world’s shortest scheduled flight, at just 90 seconds. Alternatively, you can get a ferry across from Kirkwall or Westray.
YHA Skiddaw, Lake District
Accessible only by foot or mountain bike, YHA Skiddaw is Britain’s highest hostel, based at 470m on the edge of Skiddaw. At 3.5 miles from the nearest road, the hostel is a proper escape from reality, with no mains electricity, phone signal, TV or internet. Solar panels supply energy for the lights and heating is provided by wood-burning stoves. A proper off-grid escape.
Loch Ossian Youth Hostel, Scottish Highlands
Another hostel inaccessible by car, Loch Ossian Youth Hostel sits on the southern shore of Loch Ossian near Fort William in the Scottish Highlands. A great spot for hikers wanting to explore the remote wilderness of Rannoch Moor, Loch Ossian is a perfect base with a lochside setting with uninterrupted views, dark skies and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
The hostel is only accessible by train, bike or on foot. Take the famous West Highland Railway line via the awe-inspiring Glenfinnan Viaduct to the UK’s most remote railway station, Corrour, which featured in the film Trainspotting. It’s a 25-minute walk from Corrour to the hostel.
Ballyeamon Barn, Ballymena, Northern Ireland
While Ballyeamon Barn might be a remote retreat in the Glens of Antrim, there’s plenty to do and enjoy while you’re there. It has its own ‘session house’, which hosts Saturday night sessions for musicians, singers and storytellers to share their creations. It’s a great spot for those wanting to hike the trails of Glenariff Forest Park or simply sit around watching the adventures of the native red squirrels.
Ulva Hostel, Ulva
Most people consider the Isle of Mull remote enough, but did you know there was another separate island beyond Mull? Ulva is a separate island, situated off the west coast of Mull and is renowned for its amazing variety of wildlife, fungi and lichens. Witness the island’s rich history up close with its blackhouses, and explore the nearby Isle of Gometra, connected to Ulva by a short causeway.
Ulva Hostel is a perfect spot to explore this remote car-free Scottish island. Originally known as Ardalum House, the hostel was built in 1860 as a shooting lodge for the new sport of deer stalking. It has evolved over many years, housing people who have lived and worked on Ulva, until it was bought by the community in 2018. There is no post service, rubbish collection or parcel delivery on Ulva, so everything has to be delivered by quad bike and trailer to and from the Ulva ferry. Think that’s remote enough?
Rhenigidale Hostel, Isle of Harris
Explore the lunar landscapes and rugged hills of the Isle of Harris in the Outer Hebrides, accessed by ferry from Uig on Skye to Tarbert or Ullapool to Stornoway, which is on the connected Isle of Lewis. Rhenigidale Hostel has stunning views over the Minch, the strait of sea separating the Outer Hebrides to the Scottish mainland.
The hostel doesn’t take bookings, however, and doesn’t brand itself as an accommodation provider. ‘Our mission is to provide simple hostels to encourage all but especially young people of limited means to visit the Outer Hebrides,’ the Gatliff Hebridean Hostels Trust states. ‘We want all to come to know and love the islands and islanders, the islands’ unique flora and fauna and crofting communities.’ If that doesn't fit in with your holiday plans, you could try the Backpackers Stop in nearby Tarbert.
It’s designed for independent travellers, rather than big groups – and ‘if you have arrived on foot, bicycle or kayak you will not be turned away.’ So grab your bike, pack your bag and head up to Rhenigidale, a settlement only supplied with a power line in 1980 and given an access road in 1990.
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Glen Affric Youth Hostel, Cannich
It doesn’t get much more remote than this. Glen Affric is an eco-hostel located 8 miles from the nearest road. A wind turbine and solar panels provide limited electricity but there is no Wi-Fi or phone signal and guests are asked to take all their rubbish away with them. Surrounded by 15 Munros, this former stalking bothy is ideal for those seeking a truly isolated experience.
