Not suitable for those under the age of 16 and no pets, sorry. We are backpacker accommodation not suitable for young families*
*Excluding bookings for private sole use of the hostel
Groups of over 4 people must contact us before booking so we can make the best arrangements for your stay.
A totally legendary backpackers' experience. Ideal for solo travellers, small groups, students, and outdoor enthusiasts - right by the shores of the most mythical Loch!
Unrivalled views of the Loch are perfect for Monster-spotting, while regular events like bonfires and Scottish Folk Dance Parties will bring you together with our travellers from across the World. With our own beach, you can even have a dip into the mysterious waters, but be careful, we hear there's a monster about. Canoeists and swimmers are welcome to pull up right on our shore for a night's stay.
Buses to & from Inverness, the Isle of Skye, and Fort William stop right outside our door, making us a great base to explore the Western Highlands. The world-famous Great Glen Way hiking trail is located a couple of hundred meters from the hostel, with great access to hills, glens, waterfalls and more on our doorstep. If you want to light a fire in the evening, bundles of wood are available from reception for an affordable price.
In the evenings, hang out in our awesome lounge that perches on the water's edge. With a free pool table and a roaring fire, it's a fantastic spot to meet others wandering the most epic part of Scotland. We even host bonfires and Ceilidhs (traditional Scottish Folk Dance Parties) every now and then - so you're sure to get involved. We sell a great assortment of cold local beer, wine, as well as other snacks and treats to help make your evenings comfortable and cozy.
We offer a fantastic set of hostel facilities - continental breakfast each day for just £3.50, a full laundry (wash & dry) service for just £5, affordable towel hire, free Wi-Fi, and luggage storage before & after your stay.
Here's the nitty-gritty details:
- Guests must be a minimum age of 16.
- No pets, sorry.
- Reception is open between 07:30-11:00 and again between 17:00 and 23:00.
- If you are making a booking of 4 or more people, please contact us directly before booking.
- We don't host Stag or Hen Parties, sorry.
- The latest check in is 23:00 when reception closes. You must contact us if you're arriving later, we are only able to handle late check-ins subject to availability and a fee will be applicable.
- We serve breakfast for £3.50 every morning from 7:30-10:30 am. There is no reservation for it, just pay beforehand - easy!
Great for Hikers and Cyclists – we are on the Great Glen Way !
Canoeists – a jaw-dropping expanse of water at your doorstep, and 24/7 kayak, canoe, and SUP hire from Kayakomat at the hostel.
Lochside is a pick up point for MacBackpackers Tours. If you'd like to book onto a tour or find out more info then chat to our receptionist when you arrive at the hostel.
Our location means that you could come prepared with food to cook [in our extensive self-catering kitchen], though we also sell some food to cook at reception, we also sell beer, whiskey, and wine! And snacks. Breakfast is available from £3,50, and free tea and coffee all day.
Amenities
- Heating
- Internet
- Invoices
- Non-smoking rooms
- Table tennis / Ping pong
- Tour Assistance
- Tours
Check-in/Check-out Policies
This property has the following check-in and check-out times and policies:
Check-In:
5:00 PM
Check-Out:
10:30 AM
Property and Cancelation Policies :
STANDARD CANCELLATION POLICY:
- We have a 48 hour cancellation policy. Cancellations must be made 48 hours before 10.30 am of the arrival date. Late cancellations and no shows will be charged the equivalent of the first two nights’ accommodation.
- Guests cancelling outside of 48 hours prior to arrival will receive a 90% refund when booked through the Lochside Hostel website. Should you wish to cancel your booking with us you must do so via email to lochside@macbackpackers.com.
- If you do not show up on the date you booked for you will be charged according to our cancellation policy and your reservation will be cancelled unless you've notified us directly about your late arrival.
Terms and Conditions
Our minimum age is 16 years old. Groups of over 4 must contact us before booking to make arrangements for their stay - we reserve the right to cancel bookings that break these rules at any time.
Our self catering kitchen is fully open and we provide everything needed to prepare your own food. Supplies to make a basic meal are available to purchase from reception as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and snacks.
Cleaning of the hostel takes place between 11am and 5pm. Please feel free to continue to use the hostel communal areas but be aware that some areas may be closed while we clean them.
Reservations are subject to cancellation at any point due to Force Majeure, refunds will be issued where appropriate.
SORRY - ABSOLUTELY NO PARTY GROUPS LIKE STAG OR HEN PARTIES! Accommodation will not be given to these groups and no refund will be given.
ALL GUESTS MUST PROVIDE A GOVERNMENT ISSUED PHOTO ID OR PASSPORT AT CHECK-IN.
CANCELLATION POLICY. Cancellations must be made 48 hours before 10.30 am of the arrival date. Late cancellations and no shows will be charged the equivalent of the first two nights’ accommodation. If you do not show up on the date you booked for you will be charged for the first 2 nights of your booking and your reservation will be cancelled unless we have been notified about your late arrival. (Please check our detailed cancellation policy.)
CHECK-IN TIME IS 5PM - 11:00pm
LAST CHECK-IN TIME IS 11:00PM (Please phone us if you plan on arriving later than this there will be a £5 late fee per person per hour after 11pm)
RECEPTION OPEN TIME 7:30AM-11AM & 5PM-11:00PM
Sorry but we DO NOT allow dogs on the premises, visitors need to keep dogs in their car as we have free range animals on the grounds. Horses welcome though!