SYHA - ratings, reviews and travel tips!

Achmelvich Beach

4.5 stars

Boom - England

October 2011

4 stars

colin - England

October 2011

4 stars

Ian B - Scotland

September 2011

Wonderful hostel in beautiful area. 3.5 mile path to Lochinver is a very pleasant walk

5 stars

Mick Wood - England

September 2011

A beautiful location that more than makes up for the basic, but clean and adequate facilities.

5 stars

Thomas - Germany

September 2011

A really beautiful and special hostel. Keep going on the road even if its getting very narrow, it´ll woth it. With an amazing beach just nearby.

3 stars

Sooze - England

September 2011

We booked a private room in the hope of being able to relax more and with previous good experiences eg. at Durness, but here it was incredibly cramped compared to staying in the dormitory and there was not even a window, despite me checking on the phone while booking; hard to even turn around with a rucksack on and not at all worth the extra money - in fact quite annoying as it was my birthday and supposed to be a treat/splashout! They still haven't put a shower into the mystery largeish room with just a handsink in it since our visit last year - the same mystery showerstall unit is still stored in there.... they could maybe think of taking it out and making space to hang wet coats, if nothing else! Shame as it's a nice location and I'd been looking forward to coming back

2 stars

West Scotland Traveller - England

September 2011

5 stars

John - England

September 2011

2.5 stars

Claire - France

September 2011

I think that the price is really to espensive for the offer, even if the place is in a very nice location, Thank you.

2 stars

fido - England

September 2011

5 stars

Badabing - Scotland

September 2011

This must be one of the most spectacular locations for a hostel, you can walk to a beautiful white sandy beach within minutes, also there is a huge area to go exploring.

4.5 stars

Patandkeith03 - England

September 2011

An excellent experience overall.

4.5 stars

Fraser - England

September 2011

Rustic old school hostel atmosphere in great location

4.5 stars

Gnomi - England

August 2011

Really nice location and a great little hostel. The dorm and shower rooms are admittedly basic, but they serve their purpose and who wants to spend their time in the dorm anyway? Especially when there's a really nice beach, coastline and views towards the mountains from right outside the front door. There's also nice walk into Lochinver that doesn't involve going along the road much, and there's a Spar and other shops there. And if you have a car then it'd be a great base to do some of the mountains around that area.

4.5 stars

fyreexe - Germany

August 2011

5 stars

alex - Austria

August 2011

5 stars

tom - England

August 2011

4.5 stars

Helen P - England

August 2011

This is a great place to stay with the white sandy beach a short walk away and the amazing countryside. I had a great stay and met some friendly people.

5 stars

catbreeder - Scotland

August 2011

Achmelvich beach is beautiful, issolated, basic but so worth the stay. The last 3 visits we have sat on the beach in glorious sunshine looking over our shoulders to see big black clouds behind us that seem to always miss Achmelvich! A magical touch this year was when the staff brought out instruments and started playing Scottish music ourside at sunset - was beautiful and everybody was "blown away" by how special this was. A pie from the pie shop in Lochinver heated in the oven made the perfect, easy to cook, delicious meal ( limited cooking space but it makes you all friendly!).

4 stars

cycle - Scotland

August 2011

3.5 stars

Colin - Scotland

August 2011

4.5 stars

PeteC - England

August 2011

4 stars

Graham Gardner - England

August 2011

A nice, friendly little hostel in a great location, albeit with limited facilities. Well worth a visit.

5 stars

Rikki - Scotland

August 2011

A small, friendly hostel situated close to the shore and a beautiful beech. A very peaceful experience that contributed to a great cycle tour of the west coast.

4.5 stars

Neil - Scotland

August 2011

4 stars

vanessa - England

August 2011

This is a peach of a hostel, just set back from a pure white beach with clear azure waters. It will take your breath away. Friendly efficient wardens with a can do attitude. Great walking and climbing area with stunning scenic views. They have one shower but I never had to queue and it was spotlessly clean.

4 stars

Anne - Ireland (Northern)

August 2011

Basic enough hostel but the location and staff are wonderful; not for those wanting a lot of space or privacy but a wonderful spot and a truly memorable experience; white sandy beach, unusual hills to climb, lots of marine wildlife and very friendly local characters

4 stars

Marijke/Liza/Mick - Netherlands

August 2011

4.5 stars

Jean - Scotland

August 2011

Just what you would expect from a remote Youth Hostel, everything you need in beautiful surroundings.

4.5 stars

ib - Ireland (Northern)

August 2011

4.5 stars

Patrick - France

July 2011

4.5 stars

rmg - Isle of Man

July 2011

4.5 stars

Kay Thomson - Scotland

July 2011

Not the easiest place to get to, but the route is spectacular and well worth the effort. Lovely hostel, well run and clean. Great location with a warm welcome, but be warned there is only one shower for 35 beds, and although the beach is beautiful the water is usually too chilly for a swim. Great sunsets.

4.5 stars

Gregg - Scotland

July 2011

4.5 stars

JimmyW - Scotland

July 2011

Quaint little Rustic Hostel - Gives a real 'hostel' feel - with all 30 or so people within 20 yards on one another - which makes for plenty good conversation and banter - Many Germans were staying also, which provided some interesting topics while we were staying.

5 stars

Jo Roberts - England

June 2011

The journey to this hostel, the adjoining beach, and the hostel has to be a on everyone's 'must do' list. The memories of this place, and the great people staying there will be with us forever.

4 stars

Holly - Australia

June 2011

It's just a small hostel with limited facilities but it's in a lovely spot by a remote beach so it's certainly worth a visit. Take a warm jacket and some slip-on shoes as you will have to go outside to get to the shower.

5 stars

Anxious Teallach - England

June 2011

The drive from Ullapool to Lochinver takes longer than you think. Day 1 of our stay was wet and the staff did a top job in creating a temporary drying room which was appreciated by all, especially the next day when the weather was good.

3.5 stars

anonymous - Germany

June 2011

5 stars

Stephen B - England

June 2011

4.5 stars

westriding - England

May 2011

5 stars

Alan - England

May 2011

A wonderful little hostel right on the edge of a fantastic beach. Friendly and welcoming wardens. A cosy kitchen and sitting area.

4.5 stars

Djoue - France

May 2011

Very nice place, i met nice people in the common room which is very agreeable. The kitchen is well fitted, but there's only one shower for everybody, fortunately there were not so many people when i went. But I still recommend this hostel if you look for a warm and very clean place to find some comfort and kindness.

4.5 stars

Daniele - Italy

May 2011

5 stars

Devon Wanderer - England

May 2011

5 stars

jim - England

May 2011

4 stars

funkychick - England

May 2011

4 stars

Anderson - Scotland

May 2011

4 stars

Erik Rahn - Denmark

May 2011

4.5 stars

Roger - Scotland

May 2011

4.5 stars

karen cunningham - Scotland

May 2011

3.5 stars

Sophie - Scotland

May 2011

4 stars

tricia - New Zealand

October 2010

5 stars

JB - England

October 2010

4.5 stars

Hey - Scotland

October 2010

5 stars

Awesome - France

September 2010

Well run hostel, very nice couple, great facilities, amazing beach!!!

4.5 stars

nnn - France

September 2010

5 stars

AchmelvichGreat - England

September 2010

5 stars

Head - Spain

September 2010

5 stars

Yellow - England

September 2010

4.5 stars

Su - Scotland

September 2010

This was a really friendly hostel and well attended on the night we stayed. Met lots of adventurous people from around the world who had beaten a track to it - with mist and rain there was no sunset to enjoy on this occasion but we did have really great company - good local fish and chips:-)

4.5 stars

joepanels - South Africa

September 2010

One day is not enough at any of the remote SYHA hostels

4.5 stars

Drying - England

September 2010

4.5 stars

MWWS - England

September 2010

5 stars

Brian (Largs) - Scotland

September 2010

5 stars

$$$$$$$$$ - England

September 2010

Everything was great!

5 stars

690 - England

September 2010

It's worth a visit!

5 stars

happy hostel - England

September 2010

5 stars

Wow - France

September 2010

Who cares if there is one shower, what an amazing place! Thanks Maria

5 stars

Rain - England

September 2010

5 stars

midgie - England

September 2010

Wonderful place! Very nice wardens! I hope you enjoy the rest of your season!!

5 stars

Hannee - England

September 2010

5 stars

Great - England

September 2010

5 stars

LL - Scotland

September 2010

3 stars

Walker - England

September 2010

Good location but cramped kitchen facilites and cold. No drying room!

5 stars

redwing - England

September 2010

5 stars

K - England

September 2010

5 stars

catherine - England

September 2010

A very beautiful, warm and friendly hostel. possibly the best in Scotland

4.5 stars

FAb - Germany

September 2010

5 stars

UUUU - Scotland

September 2010

great place, great people!

5 stars

Me - Germany

September 2010

Lovely hostel, basic but very friendly. Wardens were great!

4.5 stars

geoff c - England

August 2010

Great location, wonderful atmosphere

4.5 stars

g - Wales

August 2010

5 stars

michal - Israel

August 2010

4.5 stars

Robin - England

August 2010

A great location right next to sandy beach. A small but very friendly hostel.

4 stars

Susi - England

August 2010

3.5 stars

Paul from Glasgow - Scotland

August 2010

Fantastic location!

2.5 stars

Solaisnamara - England

August 2010

3 stars

Rachel - Scotland

August 2010

This hostel is in a beautiful place but avoid the school holidays if you don't like a busy beach with lots of waterskiing etc as the camp site is very popular. However there are other lovely bays just a few metres over the headland tht you can have to yourself.

3 stars

penny - England

August 2010

Please be aware that this hostel has no drying room so take enough clothes to last the duration of your stay in case the weather is so wet that nothing dries on the washing line

3.5 stars

BeccaF - United States of America

August 2010

5 stars

geoff - England

August 2010

4.5 stars

AR - Scotland

August 2010

4.5 stars

Rona - Scotland

August 2010

Achmelvich beach is out of this world. Wonderful location.

4 stars

*** - Scotland

August 2010

3.5 stars

4 ladies - Scotland

July 2010

Remember to have food supplies as no shops near. Lochinver nearest. 3 miles away.

5 stars

Richard B - England

July 2010

This place really is worth planning your trip around. Fantastic

5 stars

Fiona - Scotland

July 2010

An absolutely excellent hostel - such a lovely location and the wardens were fantastic at making everyone welcome. Loved the coffee made in the morning! Little touches like that make anyone's stay extra special.

4.5 stars

Angelika - Germany

July 2010

5 stars

dougb - England

July 2010

take food with you as i forgot mine and the shop in Lochinver ( Spar ) is expensive and not a very good choice or selection of food

4 stars

Roger - Scotland

June 2010

4 stars

Iain - Scotland

June 2010

4 stars

Vanessa - England

June 2010

Fantastic setting by a beautiful beach.

5 stars

jrgbx - Scotland

June 2010

5 stars

Julie and Nick - England

June 2010

if you want a quiet and beautiful spot with lovely views and access to almost your very own beach - this is the place to come to. The hostel is simple and small and just what you need to get away from it all. We found a very warm welcome from the hostel staff and lots of great conversation with fellow travellers. Thank you YHA.

4.5 stars

kora - England

June 2010

3.5 stars

vcr2010 - England

June 2010

3 stars

french john - France

May 2010

3.5 stars

d'haenens - Belgium

April 2010

5 stars

matthew - England

April 2010

superb location, very quiet

5 stars

Mairi - Scotland

April 2010

Beautiful peaceful spot with a lovely beach. Well worth a visit.

4 stars

Suilven - Germany

April 2010

5 stars

Amc, inverness - Scotland

November 2009

What an amazing place! I had a great trip to this absolutely stunning location. There is only one shower on site but getting up slightly earlier is worth it to avoid the shower queues and then sit outside having breakfast as the sun turns everything pink. Dave and Caroline were very friendly and welcoming. Nothing was to much trouble. Maybe some comfier seats in the communal area would be nice but this was only an extremely minor negative point. I thoroughly recommend a trip here as there is some of most stunning scenery in Scotland to be found very nearby but be aware there is very little phone coverage and the hostel has a lights out/quiet time policy.

4.5 stars

arcboutant - Scotland

October 2009

5 stars

Tino - Germany

October 2009

5 stars

Top Cat - Scotland

October 2009

Its further off the road than you think.

3 stars

none - Germany

October 2009

3 stars

Dave - Scotland

September 2009

5 stars

Ian - England

September 2009

5 stars

Magda - England

September 2009

Lovely place by a beautiful beach. Very scenic location.

4.5 stars

feartie - Scotland

September 2009

5 stars

mangoman - Scotland

September 2009

4.5 stars

Jane, Luther, Louis & Sadie - Leamington Spa - England

September 2009

Imagine it's fantastic in June, and the beach is beautiful,but not the best place to be in late August (relatively cold and windy) unless you and your kids are very hardy!

4 stars

Bernard - Switzerland

September 2009

5 stars

paris - France

September 2009

3.5 stars

slartibartfast - England

September 2009

5 stars

Paul Holmes - England

September 2009

A proper Youth Hostel ! Marvellous.

4.5 stars

Gill H - England

September 2009

Beautiful location, went mid August and good as not so busy vs high season. Just 1 shower for everyone, so be prepared to wait or have a wash instead! One large communal room for cooking, eating and socialising, so if you get a good crowd in good fun. Caroline and Dave extremely helpful and engage very actively with visitors. Almost had beach to myself one evening, so extremely pleasant experience.

5 stars

Cath - Scotland

September 2009

Remember to pack some flip flops as the shower is outside. This is a great place to stay whether you are sriving around the west coast like I was or whether you are venturing up the hills on foot. It was a fantastic base to come back to everynight. Enjoy

4.5 stars

peterbj7 - England

September 2009

5 stars

David Bargalló - Spain

September 2009

5 stars

Brendan - England

August 2009

5 stars

abi - Scotland

August 2009

An amazing place to stay and the friendliest place I've been to in years. One night is not enough to take in the beaches, wildlife and local area. definately one of the best hostels I've ever stayed!

5 stars

Andy - England

August 2009

A great welcome and overall attention to detail is shown by the managers throughout your stay. In summer be aware of the close proximity of the busy campsite next door and the fact the beach is heavily crowded with boats, dinghies and yachts belonging to the campers. However, I doubt they'll be present in the cooler months of the year!

4.5 stars

magzz - Scotland

August 2009

Achmelvich hostel is extremely friendly, clean and well run in a lovely spot overlooking the stunning white beach. I camped there as a child in the 1950s and although there are many more people there now, that didn't bother me because everyone appreciates the place so much. Sunsets are wonderful when you can see them. There is a small shop at the campsite but probably best to get provisions in Lochinver at the two small supermarkets. The last large supermarket is Tesco in Ullapool. Don't forget your skin so soft!

5 stars

tgd - Germany

August 2009

3.5 stars

aaa - Scotland

August 2009

4.5 stars

Turnbulls - Scotland

August 2009

4 stars

Carlabeast - Scotland

August 2009

Fantastic easy going and friendly staff - our 7 year old felt confident enough to put herself to bed in the women's dorm on the first night while Mum stayed in the living area drinking wine. Basic accommodation (as expected really) but perfectly adequate and stunning location. Plan to return adn we would recommend it to other families.

4 stars

maria - Scotland

August 2009

4.5 stars

Andy1962 - England

August 2009

Great little hostel in fantastic location

4.5 stars

Brian - England

August 2009

2.5 stars

Nata - England

August 2009

4 stars

Hans & Esther - Switzerland

August 2009

friendly staff, good, helpful and detailed information about the aerea, library; accessibility by public transportation (2 busses a day), free coffee and tea

4 stars

kj89 - Italy

August 2009

5 stars

catbreeder - Scotland

July 2009

Brilliant location, a hidden paradise, a real homely community feel about this youth hostel. Well worth the journey to get there with brilliant beaches, walks and sunsets. If you can go DO.

5 stars

Angelika + Alina - Germany

July 2009

5 stars

Cycling Viking - Scotland

July 2009

Fabulous location with good walking, hill walking and cycling all around. Hostel has very limited store so bring your own. Enjoy the atmosphere.

4.5 stars

Nick - England

July 2009

4.5 stars

fairyjen - England

July 2009

5 stars

Graham - Scotland

July 2009

5 stars

Holdfast - England

July 2009

4.5 stars

GB - Scotland

July 2009

4.5 stars

Jen - England

July 2009

A very warm welcome and lots of useful information about this unique area, in a fantastic location

5 stars

lesley - Scotland

June 2009

a beautiful location on the beach and an ideal location for exploring the Assynt

4.5 stars

jo - Poland

June 2009

Absolutely amazing location. Everything set in a homely manner. Cosy. Probably should have more showers but who cares when everything else is just perfect. Some nice climing trails around.

4.5 stars

chris - Scotland

June 2009

4 stars

paneric - Netherlands

June 2009

4.5 stars

Mike - England

June 2009

5 stars

jim - England

June 2009

5 stars

pete - England

June 2009

5 stars

Willie Jack - Wales

June 2009

The wardens, Caroline & David, run a fantastic hostel. Very warm welcome, genuinely friendly & interesting couple. You can tell that they both love the outdoors, Scotland & worldwide.

5 stars

Steve - England

June 2009

4 stars

kaschoe - Germany

May 2009

very basic and simple but appropriate to this location as adventure atmosphere abiance and amazing nature cause a different kind of comfort It's like a typical simple Alpine hut just at the coast great and friendly

4 stars

sammy - Scotland

May 2009

fantastic site the beach is beautiful

4 stars

Cal and Del - Scotland

May 2009

Idyllic hostel sheltering behind a bay of golden sand which punches above its weight for the size and age of its buildings The very welcoming hosts keep the hostel clean tidy and well maintained We will be back

3.5 stars

balk - Germany

April 2009

5 stars

rockyr - England

April 2009

3 stars

CYHA - England

April 2009

SYHA - ratings, reviews and travel tips!