Discover 5 Fabulous WoofHostelling Destinations

5 fabulous

Words and pictures: Sam Grant

WoofHostelling destinations to visit Hostelling Scotland properties are located in beautiful and diverse destinations, ranging from bustling Lowland cities to remote Highland glens. For me, that’s what makes them special. Choosing a favourite destination would be impossible, but I can recommend five amazing locations where you’ll find lots to do, plus a comfortable and affordable place to stay with your canine companion.

As a Scottish travel blogger, I get to travel all over Scotland.

I make no secret of the fact I LOVE staying with Hostelling Scotland. Many of their hostels welcome dogs, which is great, because wherever I go, my buddy Casper the Wee White Dug goes too.

Opposite: Lochan Uaine.

This page: Achmelvich Beach

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Embrace the great outdoors in the Cairngorms National Park Cairngorm Lodge Youth Hostel

I’ve enjoyed many memorable hikes on the doorstep of Cairngorm Lodge Youth Hostel, but the short, flat walk to reach Lochan Uaine (the Green Lochan) is a favourite.

Think craggy mountains, blooming heather, towering pines and red squirrels leaping through the trees – and that’s not even the best bit.

The icing on the cake is the Green

Lochan itself - a magical lochan filled with green water. Legend says the colour is a result of fairies washing their clothes in the lochan. True or not, it’s a wonderful place, popular with humans and doggies alike.

Unwind on a remote Scottish beach

Achmelvich Beach Youth Hostel Scotland has more stunning beaches than you can shake a stick at. Up there with my favourites is the beach at Achmelvich Bay in Sutherland.

I’ve visited it in all seasons and each time it takes my breath away. Casper and I have been known to swim in the bay, but mostly we like to sit on a rocky outcrop and gaze out to sea when we visit. It’s so therapeutic and sometimes we even spot seals. If you visit, see if you can find Europe’s smallest castle hidden by the beach.

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Combine a taste of Scotland with art in Braemar

Step back in Time on the Isle of Arran

Braemar is a delightful Aberdeenshire village in the heart of Royal Deeside. It’s is best known for the Braemar Gathering – the village’s Highland games which take place in September.

The Isle of Arran is often referred to as Scotland in miniature as it boasts many of the things that make Scotland so special – rugged mountains, pretty glens, majestic stags, whisky distilleries and more.

Besides kilted Highlanders lobbing tree trunks around, Braemar is also something of a foodie’s paradise.

For me, the highlight of visiting Braemar is having lunch at the Fife Arms. The hotel’s ‘Flying Stag Bar’ is dog friendly and the menu includes Scottish favourites such as haggis – when in Scotland and all that. Then, there’s the quirky interior design and impressive collection of art. There aren’t many hotels where you’ll find original works by Picasso hanging in the public areas, alongside sketches

by Queen Victoria.

One of the things I love most about Arran though is the history. The island is steeped in it, and there are numerous historical sites you can visit, including castles, Neolithic burial cairns and mysterious stone circles. And linked to those ancient sites are fascinating tales of mighty giants (including one who owned a hound called Bran), ghosts, heroic kings and fairy folk. What more could you want from a destination?

Braemar Youth Hostel

Lochranza Youth Hostel

Island hop from Oban Oban Youth Hostel

Scotland is surrounded by hundreds of islands, but many take hours to reach. Not so, when you visit Oban.

The vibrant harbour town is worth visiting in its own right (especially if you love seafood and cracking sunsets). Oban is known as the Gateway to the Isles, which makes it the perfect base for day-tripping to some Scottish islands. Regular day tours depart from the town, taking in Mull, Iona and Staffa (home to Fingal’s Cave). If you prefer to selfguide when you island hop, Kerrera can be reached in ten minutes from the centre of town. For a longer day-trip, the fascinating Slate Isles (the islands that roofed the world) are easily accessible from Oban.

You don’t even need a boat to visit Seil, the largest of the Slate Isles.

It’s connected to the Mainland via a bridge, which crosses the Atlantic.

Don’t believe me? Look it up.

I hope this article has inspired you to enjoy a Woof Hostelling adventure of your own.

Happy hostelling!

Clockwise from opposite page: Europe’s smallest castle, Isle of Arran, Kerrera Isle - Oban, Flying Stag Braemar, Braemar Castle, Easdale, Seil and Slate Isle

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