5 stars
Lesley Watts - England
September 2011
3 stars
DrG - England
definitely the best decision we made to make this the first stop on our trip from John O'Groats to Land's End - don't miss the coastal route from Durness to Ullapool via Lochinver...
4 stars
titanic - Germany
4.5 stars
Idonotwishtoleaveacomment - Chad
I do not wish to leave a comment
Colin - England
Badabing - Scotland
Tongue hostel is well worth a visit as it is in a cracking position for climbing Ben Loyal, Ben Hope and great cycling country.
fido - England
Fraser - England
Luca - Switzerland
August 2011
Helly11 - England
This hostel is in a stunning location, but do be prepared for the ONE shower. You'll have to be prepared to wait! It's still well worth visiting though, I'm planning to go back next year!
peter - England
We had an excellent few days at Durness. It's a small but comfortable and very friendly hostel. The warden is very friendly and efficient too. Well worth a fews days; Ben Hope is well worth a climb but avoid the awful Fionaven. Next time we'll try to get to Cape Wrath
jacopo - Italy
Graham - England
Well worth visiting; a great location, right next to the famous Smoo Caves, with a good pub nearby, a helpful and well-informed warden and a comfortable lounge area.
O'Larribau - France
JHJ - England
An excellent Hostel in the very best traditions of SYHA
1.5 stars
Eric - France
kim - Spain
I spent two days with my family. Lovely place, clean and really nice atmosphere. Highly recomemded.
thornhouse - England
2 stars
chachai - England
Lovely spot, do visit Caper Wrath (if you're ok with heights!); the hostel's a bit dated; if you want more creature comforts, there are pleanty of B&Bs in the area.
catbreeder - Scotland
Perfect location for some amazing beaches, walks and general recharge your batteries experience. The Cape wrath ferry ( small boat) and bus ride is well worth it. If you love a good read buy Kerracher man from the craft book shop - both hubby and I loved the book and great to read when you are going to places mentioned. The trip around Handa Island, from Tarbet ,was amazing- sat astride a long padded seat you wizz off out to sea and then visit the cliffs etc at a leisurely pace, going close up and between inlets with your "captain" telling you all about the birds and wildlife - we saw nesting kittiwakes, puffins, seals - was so worth it, the boat trip alone was exhilarating.
mac man - England
One shower and tired accommodation are the minuses on the plus side its in a great location, has a warming stove and well stocked kitchen, wish it had the single rooms like loch ness though !
vanessa - England
Great location right next to the Smoo Caves. Fabulous hostel with a farmhouse kitchen and a great atmosphere. It has the benefit of a maintained garden and huge washing line with the added advantage of a large drying room, heaven. Some glorious beaches but fill your tank well before you get to Durness the petrol prices are phenominal!
BOF - England
RUSTIC.............!
wenke - Germany
July 2011
Mary Scotland - Scotland
Very helpful, cosy atmosphere, well organised kitchen with huge supply of clean teatowels!
ceo - Italy
q - Australia
wideformat4x4 - England
Jenny Johnson - England
Matt - Australia
Wombat - Scotland
The YH hostel was flying a Saltire but it was in a tatty state. If YH's are going to fly National flags they should be in good condition. I sent them a replacement Saltire.
Viv - England
Happy - Scotland
Please use above private comments. i used wrong box
3.5 stars
cz - Malaysia
June 2011
Pete - England
Basic Hostel with with plenty of atmosphere and character. Staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful.
J Coull - Scotland
A friendly wee gem of a place. Durness, so hot it rhymes with furnace! Nowhere is more atmospheric in sunshine, or in rain. Prepare for both!
MDT - Spain
Alan - England
May 2011
A fantastic place right on the cliff tops near Smoo Cave. Well equiped kitchen and comfy sitting area
Thank you - France
Thank you. We had a good moments. Beautiful geographical situation. The kitchen was spacious and nice. The staff was cool and professionnal. This SYHA is not to bigger so it is less factory than other one.
0028 - Scotland
Anderson - Scotland
Matthew - England
Laure - France
November 2010
Nice place, friendly staff, beautiful view! Let's Go!
Gazell - England
October 2010
Hostel is definetly better than it appears to be - friendly staff, clean, comfortable and cosy with a farmhouse like kitchen/dining area. It is perfectly situated to all the wonderful walks and fantastic coastline scenery - its beautiful, remote, rugged and incredibly peaceful well, well, well worth a visit - I will be back
guy - England
September 2010
Steve Elgar - England
DevonDebbie - England
Brian (Largs) - Scotland
Day 3 of our tour of the NW & North.... very cool hostel and not to far away from the main town. Perched right about the caves, Durness can boast the best beaches I have eveer seen.. and that is not just in Scotland..... Great base for your trip, can't wait for our next one!
mike - Scotland
CH&W, London - England
This hostel is a real gem. The hostel manager works so hard to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. She is a real asset. All the rooms and facilities are kept spotlessly clean. To stay in these buildings - given their historic importance in World War II - was a real priviledge. The location is also perfect for exploring the amazing corner of Scotland. We had so much fun here it was hard to leave.
auchana - England
Friendly atmosphere in awesome location - who could ask for more?
El Vicente - Netherlands
I particularly enjoyed a walk I went for after doing the cape wrath visit, starting from the ferry car park. A circular walk following the Kyle of Durness, the golf club, the ruined church of Balnakeil and though a glorious green 'valley' behing the Craft Village, back to the car park. This is one way to discribe it: http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/sutherland/kyle-of-durness.shtml
Jennifer King - England
A pleasure to stay here - we often stay in the family room. Very cosy and a lovely warden. The area is beautiful, very good for wildlife, geology and stunning beaches. Also other pleasures like Cocoa Mountain (the best chocolates and good coffee) and Loch Croispol bookshop with a cafe inside. Also some good cultural pleasures, like Ishbel MacDonald's screen prints and other artists working at Balnakiel craft village, and Lotte Glob. The Spar manages to stock a good range of things, so you don't need to come laden with your own provisions. Highly recommended.
smoo - Scotland
This is an excellent hostel to use as a centre for cliff and beach walking.
2.5 stars
nn - Germany
The Wheaties - England
We really liked the main 'living' building. Very cosy by the stove! Great warden, very helpful & friendly with lovely dogs! We were very impressed by the guide in the nearby Smoo Cave - he spoke 3 different languages on our tour alone!
Walker - England
A great basic hostel - warm and welcoming -don't be put off by the external pictures. For the size the kitchen is very well equiped and is the only hostel I've ever been to with a good supply of vegetable knives!
Letja The Netherlands - Ireland (Republic)
Great surrounds and friendly staff but very basic hostel, offering not much room or privacy
Jay - England
Jack - Italy
August 2010
rowena - England
Mike - Scotland
Susi - England
Swimming off Pocan Smoo was fantastical, though you'll want a wetsuit to stay in for any length of time - and you can rinse off back over in Smoo Cave itself where the freshwater comes down. The Spar shop in Durness itself is brilliant - we didn't need to have loaded ourselves up in Inverness at all, they had everything we needed and even a small but good selection of camping/walking kit.
Rachel - Scotland
CookieMonster - Scotland
Nice cosy kitchen/living area. Only one male shower and one female shower so there were queues and the hostel wasn't nearly full!
Betsy - England
This is a super hostel with very friendly staff - much better than I thought it would be, judging from photographs of it on SYHA website. The number one attraction (as weather was not great) was the cosiness of the main living area with a warm, welcoming solid fuel stove and comfortable seats and settees. The staff washed and dried our muddy trainers for us and the dorm facilities were clean and spacious with new beds and carpets. Having come to Durness from the Achmelvich hostel (which I would not recommend) we were pleasantly surprised.
Sandra - Switzerland
penny - England
There is a lovely beach on the way out to Cape Wrath - make sure you visit as its magic
Patrick (Antwerp, Belgium) - Belgium
I don't mind lack of luxury, that explains the four stars. If you expect comfort and luxury, Durness is not your stay. But I loved it. Excellent location to explore the north-west of Scotland!
Rupert - Germany
*&* - Scotland
charles - Scotland
kinger - England
July 2010
euroscope association - France
a very nice place to stay and be quiet a wonderfull scenery
Alastair - England
Nicko - Australia
The Happy Oldies - England
The Durness manager, Mary Anne, was very kind and helpful. Through her advice we were able to see Puffins on their nest site and explore the incredible sand dunes in the area. A visit to the local craft centre (esp. cocoa mountain) is a must.
NorthGirl - Scotland
AJG - New Zealand
Oldiain - Scotland
You can travel to Durness Hostel by the Cycle Bus (Tim Dearman's Coaches) from Inverness then Ullapool (takes 4-5 hours). You can arrange a sightseeing trip to Cape Wrath - Go in to Mathers stores at Durness and ask for Mrs Mackay. She shall set this up for you.
lily - England
David - Scotland
None
rosko - England
bmw - Scotland
June 2010
Ileach - Scotland
A slightly unusual hostel in a wonderful situation. Having taken the time to reach it, don't rush off without having a good look round.
René - Belgium
Alastair - Scotland
macbishop - Scotland
Charming and unique, offering adequate accommodation in war-time huts. Kitchen and lounge are were warm, welcoming and comfy. A refreshing antidote to modern identikit hotels. Fantastic location, too.
jacq van eldert - Netherlands
June - France
ThatFidz - England
Ex WW2 Billet Huts,fantastic place full of atmosphere,clean tidy & warm (nice woodburning stove in the dining room) , wonderful sea views & 200 yards from Smoo cave. Easy to get to as its on the main road from Tongue. If you only ever stay in one SYHA Hostel make it this one,you will not regret it.
Dave - England
head on down to Ullapool for friendly welcome and on out to the islands
Grinner - Scotland
May 2010
Scotty - Netherlands
October 2009
TOH - Singapore
davemabz - Scotland
Wet'n'Windy - England
September 2009
Dave - Scotland
mtbfeartie - Scotland
mangoman - Scotland
bill - Scotland
WickedMessenger - Germany
Keith - England
Nice hostel and a really amazing place to visit overall. We'd definitely recommend a visit to Faraid Head, and the craft village.
Andy - England
The manager was very enthusiastic and really cared about the hostel, its presentation and the ongoing recycling initiatives in place. She couldn't have been more helpful to occupants in assisting with where to visit, how to get to next places as she knew her onions! You'll enjoy cooking in the cosy kitchen area which could be extended. The advantage of a small drying room was a bonus! All in all, we'd return.
Paul Holmes - England
Go there ! There is nothing between you and the Arctic.... A proper Youth Hostel with a committed Warden and a lovely dog.
Alison Downey - Scotland
August 2009
A basic hostel in a lovely location.
family d - France
meg - Scotland
Nicole Dailcroix - France
JackBurton - Italy
greenbean - England
Maria - Malta
This is an amazing 'secret' part of Scotland. Hostel is very clean. Strongly recommend http://www.timdearmancoaches.co.uk/ for easy access from Inverness with outstanding views.
Michael_M - Germany
Karen - England
Take the ferry and minibus to Cape Wrath and visit the most isolated cafe in the country! Afterwards, walk along the coast path back to Balnakiel Craft village. There are lots of puffins till mid July along Faraid Head. The INformation Centre is really helpful and there are guided walks in the summer.
brian - England
nata - England
Wilson family - England
Cycling Viking - Scotland
July 2009
Superb beach walks watching the bird life and experiencing the peace of the waves. Remember a jacket as the weather can change quickly.
queeny - Scotland
X - Scotland
None. Hostellers should travel with an open mind and be open to experience rather thaXn rely on the advice and experience of others.
Martijn - Netherlands
joseph_ccc - Spain
Nick - England
tomtom70 - Germany
Free WLAN in (also in front of ;o) ) MacKay's - don't bother to get a table there, they don't seem to welcome backpacker any time of the day.
Girotropico - Spain
eckyscout - Scotland
MarkAhrens - United States of America
This hostel is wonderful. Maryann (current caretaker) is lovely to talk with and of course knows a lot about the area. Be sure to visit Smoo Cave (right down the road), Balnakiel Village, Faraid Head peninsula (and the puffin colony there - best in the evening), and Cape Wrath, of course.
Bruce - England
Nessie - Scotland
Durness is a great place to relax and enjoy Scotland at its most rugged and remote. There are excellent walks, beautiful beaches, Smoo Cave and Cape Wrath not forgetting the craft centre (ignore the dodgy architecture).
PBW - Canada
Small. Room adequate for needs. The kitchen and lounge was spacious and comfortable.
jb - England
Keith - Scotland
A good traditional Youth Hostel. Reminds me of the way things were in my youth.
Tony Ball - England
If you are travelling alone this hostel is a must
Jen - England
June 2009
Friendly, simple hostel with an interesting garden in a great location
haha - Slovenia
Histon Nikki - England
Spend more than one night at Durness - there is so much to explore on the coast and inland.
cobblergreen - Scotland
Seona Christie, Westhill - Scotland
The hostel is very misleading: dont judge a book by its cover. It doesnt look like anything special by its exterior, but it was a brilliant place to stay and I've been telling all my buddies to make sure they keep this one on their list to visit. We were welcomed by Ben and Misty (the collies) who sheperded us to the reception very efficiently. Lovely clean hostel with a friendly and helpful manager.
p - England
marty - Scotland
Dunbar runner - Scotland
Hostel was perfect: quiet, near Smoo cave, friendly and had two beautiful natured collie dogs to play with. Perfectly placed for annual Cape Wrath Challenge events. Bus south to Inverness leaves Smoo Cave @ 15:15- 100yrds from Hostel gate. Don't try to get on bus before that time as driver is still on break and will be narked if you disturb him. (Tim Dearman Coaches). Good bus service though....you travel right down the coast so see lots including Kinlochbervie and Ullapool were there is a s
Thomas - England
Cal and Del - Scotland
May 2009
Welcoming and helpful staff helped us dry off after a soaking in the wild weather However the buildings are showing their age and its about time these wartime wooden huts were demobbed
Patrick - Belgium
Sutherland - England
Sean - England
April 2009
balk - Germany
rockyr - England
Ish - England
Make sure you take extra duvets and extra food as this small village closes really early and its hard to find any hotel or a restaurant 46 Miles nearest Ullapool Good luck and do visit DurnessSmoo Cave and the award winning Beach Thanks Ish
Logi - Scotland
Probably my favourite hostel of all sadly the SYHA dont seem to want to spend any money on it It may be a couple of wartime huts but dont let that put you off the warmth of welcome plus the location more than make up for the lack of investment
mikeg40 - Scotland
November 2008