Gairloch Sands Youth Hostel, Gairloch ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2026

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Gairloch Sands Youth Hostel Exterior photo

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Key details

About the Hotel

Carn Dearg, Gairloch, Ross-Shire, Gairloch, United Kingdom, IV21 2DJ

Close to the beach

Great

8.4

7.8

/10

5.0

4.5

Loved by Gairloch Sands Youth Hostel guests

Fantastic views
Cute staff
Clean bedrooms
Spacious kitchen

"Lovely sitting room with fantastic view."

Joan from Ireland

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"The views from the hostel were beautiful and there is a private beach across the road."

Jade1960 from United Kingdom

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"Great little spot with an amazing view in a beautiful little town"

Elizabeth from United States

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Location

Gairloch Sands Youth Hostel is positioned on the northern shore of Loch Gairloch, providing expansive views of the sea and mountains. Guests benefit from proximity to sandy beaches, with a short five-minute walk to golden shores. This location serves as a strategic starting point for exploring the North West Highlands.

Rooms

The hostel offers a range of lodging options, including private rooms and shared dorms that cater to different guest preferences. All rooms come with access to shared shower and washroom facilities, ensuring practicality during stays. The accommodation is complemented by secure lockers for personal belongings.

Dining

Guests can enjoy a 'Wee Breakfast' that includes cereal, Scottish yogurt, fresh fruit, tea, and coffee. The hostel features a fully equipped self-catering kitchen and dining room, ideal for those who prefer to cook their own meals. Additionally, 'heat it and eat it' evening meals can be purchased for extra convenience.

Entertainment and Activities

Gairloch Sands Youth Hostel offers excellent wildlife watching opportunities right from its location, with dolphins, whales, and otters often sighted nearby. Local boat trips provide guests with the chance to experience marine life up close. The surrounding area includes notable hiking routes, including trails to the Torridon mountain range, catering to outdoor enthusiasts.

Additional Amenities

The hostel is licensed to serve local beers and wines, allowing guests to unwind in the lounge while taking in panoramic views. Parking is available onsite for up to 9 cars, providing added convenience for those traveling with their vehicles. Ample laundry facilities and a small drying room are available, catering to the needs of active travelers.

Highlights

Location: Lochside location with views over Gairloch, Torridon and Skye

Rooms: Comfortable private rooms and shared dorms

Dining: Recently refurbished and well-equipped self-catering kitchen

Entertainment: Excellent wildlife watching opportunities

“The views make it - a Highland panorama best enjoyed from clean, welcoming interiors. I particularly like the excellent recycling system; it signals a certain ethos. While not in the town center, I found that the distance adds to the peaceful charm.”

Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Location: Perfect

9.3/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

Guest ParkingEasy Parking

Plenty of parking spaces available, even with four cars. Helpful when visiting the beach or nearby towns.

Oliver from England

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DiningGreat Food!

The dining room was spacious, and my friends loved the food so much, they ate dinner there.

Mei from China

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Room FeaturesClean Comfort

The room was very clean and comfortable. Room had bunk beds, as expected, and a separate toilet.

Hans from Netherlands

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Media & EntertainmentHomely Atmosphere

The lounge has books, games, and local information for a homely feel and great views.

Rajesh from India

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Select your room type

Gairloch Sands Youth Hostel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Single Bed Male Dormitory Room

2 persons

120 sq. feet

1 Single bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Single Bed Female Dormitory Room

2 persons

120 sq. feet

1 Single bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Standard Triple Room

2 persons

120 sq. feet

1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Quadruple Room

2 persons

120 sq. feet

1 Bunk bed

Shower

Heating

room details

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

Gairloch Sands Youth Hostel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Great

8.3/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Free Wi-Fi in public areas
Parking
Pets allowed
Locker room
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Canoeing
Horseback riding
Cycling
Golf course
Fishing

Guest Parking

Shared kitchen

Services

Pet amenities available
Welcome drink

Dining

Snack bar
Picnic area/ Tables

Children

Cots

Spa & Leisure

Beach access
Leisure/ TV room

Room features

Heating
Garden furniture

Self-catering

Shared kitchen

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Gairloch Sands Youth Hostel Location

Carn Dearg, Gairloch, Ross-Shire, Gairloch, United Kingdom, IV21 2DJ

Map view

Carn Dearg, Gairloch, Ross-Shire, Gairloch, United Kingdom, IV21 2DJ

City landmarks

Landmark

Big Sand Beach

1.0 mi

Landmark

Gair Loch

1.3 mi

Beach

Big Sand @ Gairloch

1.3 mi

Island

Longa Island

1.6 mi

Landmark

Gairloch Museum

2.6 mi

Landmark

Inverewe Garden

2.4 mi

Landmark

Rua Reidh Lighthouse

2.4 mi

Island

Eilean Horrisdale

2.4 mi

Landmark

Free Presbyterian Church

2.4 mi

Landmark

Gairloch Heritage Museum

2.6 mi

Landmark

Achtercairn

2.6 mi

Beach

2.6 mi

Landmark

Solas Gallery

3.0 mi

Landmark

Loch Maree

2.8 mi

Landmark

Victoria Falls

3.0 mi

Landmark

Free Church of Scotland

2.8 mi

Landmark

Crasg

2.8 mi

Landmark

Gairloch Beach

2.9 mi

Landmark

Fionn Loch

3.0 mi

Landmark

Walking and Wildlife Adventures

3.0 mi

Landmark

Gairloch Glass Bottom Boat Cruises

3.0 mi

Landmark

Gruinard Bay

3.0 mi

Landmark

Gairloch Church of Scotland

3.0 mi

Nearby

Beach

Big Sand @ Gairloch

1500 ft

Restaurants

The Barn Cafe

3300 ft

Sands Caravan & Camping

Explore Gairloch

Local Highlights

Big Sand Beach

20 minutes walking

Stunning sandy beach ideal for sunbathing and picnics, known for its clear waters and scenic sunsets.

Gair Loch

25 minutes walking

A picturesque loch perfect for kayaking and wildlife viewing, offering beautiful landscapes and serene surroundings.

Inverewe Garden

10-minute drive

Famous botanical gardens featuring diverse plant species from around the world, with varying seasonal displays.

Gairloch Museum

10-minute drive

Local history museum showcasing the cultural heritage of Gairloch, with engaging exhibits and family activities.

Kayaking on Gair Loch

25 minutes walking

Kayak rentals available for thrilling adventures on Gair Loch, perfect for thrill-seekers and nature lovers.

Hiking to Flowerdale Waterfall

1-minute drive

Scenic hike leading to stunning waterfall views. Suitable for families and offers various trails for all levels.

Yoga at the Shore

5-minute drive

Relaxing yoga sessions offered near the beach, perfect for unwinding and enjoying the calming sounds of nature.

The Barn Cafe

15 minutes walking

Cozy cafe offering hearty breakfasts and local specialties made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Reservations not needed.

The Badachro Inn

10-minute drive

Charming inn featuring fresh seafood and local dishes, known for its lively atmosphere and stunning views. Reservations recommended.

Gairloch Restaurant

10-minute drive

Serves a diverse international menu with vegetarian options in a relaxed setting. Families welcome and dietary needs accommodated.

Gairloch Community Hall

10-minute drive

Host to various events including live music and cultural performances, ideal for family outings and social gatherings.

Gairloch Bar

5-minute drive

Local pub with a friendly vibe, famous for its quiz nights and live music. Great place for both travelers and locals.

Getting around

City Centre

Gairloch7 min · 2.5 mi

Airports

Stornoway (SYY)275 min · 113.8 mi

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 17:00-22:00

Check-out

from 08:00-10:00

Guest Parking

Private parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in public areas for free.

Breakfast

A full breakfast is served at the price of GBP5.95 per person per day.

Children & extra beds

There are no cots provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are allowed on request.

Number of rooms:

Former name

gairloch sands syha hostelling scotland

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Gairloch Sands Youth Hostel from previous guests about their experience.

Review score

Based on 172 verified reviews

8.5/10

Great

93%

Recommend

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Comfort

8.6/10

Facilities

8.3/10

Free Wi-Fi

7.3/10

Location

9.3/10

Staff

9.2/10

Value for money

8.8/10

Pros

Friendly staff

Cosy interior

Stunning views

Well-equipped kitchen

Cons

Limited parking

Drying out needed

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Questions of the users

About Gairloch Sands Youth Hostel

Is the hostel a peaceful place to stay during the night?

10 January 2024

Yes, it's known for its quiet atmosphere at night, allowing guests to enjoy a restful sleep.

Are bed linens and towels provided with my stay?

15 February 2024

Bed linens are always supplied, and towels come included when booking a private room. Alternatively, towels can be rented for £3.

Is there a secure area to store my bicycle?

28 March 2024

Bicycles can be securely stored in the large front porch of the hostel, which is lockable for added safety.

Can guests use their own sleeping bags at the hostel?

5 April 2024

Guests are asked to utilize the clean bed linen provided, and using personal sleeping bags is not permitted.

Do lockers come with locks for security?

12 April 2024

Lockers are available in all shared rooms and require a padlock to secure personal items. Padlocks can be purchased at reception.

Are dogs allowed to accompany guests during their stay?

22 April 2024

Yes, the hostel is dog-friendly, but only specific rooms accommodate dogs with a charge of £5 per dog, per night. It's best to confirm availability beforehand.

Can I reserve a private room to stay with my dog?

30 May 2024

Private rooms can be booked for guests traveling with dogs, but they're not permitted in shared dorms.

Is it possible to book a private room for just two guests?

15 June 2024

Private rooms can be reserved for any number of guests, accommodating between 1 and the maximum capacity of each room.

Are there any organized events or activities available at the hostel?

3 July 2024

No, there are currently no planned events or activities organized at the hostel.

What dining options are available at the hostel?

25 August 2024

Guests can enjoy a 'Wee Breakfast' featuring cereal and fresh fruit, or utilize the well-equipped self-catering kitchen and dining area. Packed lunches can be arranged for groups of 5 or more when booked in advance.