SYHA - ratings, reviews and travel tips!

Loch Ossian

5 stars

Jim - Scotland

October 2011

The jewel in the crown of Scottish hostelling. Delightful hostel in beautiful surroundings. An extremely friendly, efficient and helpful manager.

4.5 stars

Big Boots - United States of America

October 2011

Make sure you move to the back of the train when you arrive at Corrour Station. It's fun to visit the restaurant at the station before heading to the hostel. It's also comforting to know the restaurant is there when you're at the hostel just in case you forget your food.

4.5 stars

DIM PINN - Scotland

October 2011

GREAT EXPERIENCE.

5 stars

Jackie sutherland - Scotland

October 2011

My stay at the Ossian hostel was wonderful. A stunning and tranquil location with a beautifully positioned eco hostel that sits snugly on the banks of the loch. Felt like a taste of paradise. Was so uplifted by my stay there. Jan, the manager, was so friendly and welcoming and made the experience even more enjoyable. I look forward to returning as soon as I can. Many thanks

4.5 stars

Colin - Scotland

October 2011

I took the train to Corrour but when going home walked out to Rannoch station. This is a good walk over some remote country - well worth the effort!

5 stars

peter - Scotland

October 2011

4 stars

AH - Scotland

September 2011

3 stars

buddy boy - Australia

September 2011

Try to get to Loch Ossian Youth Hostel in the early/mid afternoon and get yourself a good bunk. This applies to all youth hostels of course, but especially for Loch Ossian YH.

5 stars

weegie - Scotland

September 2011

3.5 stars

David Mac - Scotland

September 2011

4 stars

billysgrandad - England

September 2011

4.5 stars

chrisgw - Scotland

September 2011

5 stars

Phil - England

September 2011

A first rate hostel to finish one's Munros at together with the restaurant at Corrour station which is also where older members can stay.

5 stars

Dave - England

September 2011

5 stars

Il'ja - Ukraine

September 2011

Best hostel experience ever. Unbelievable location. Red deer, Munros everywhere, stunning vistas. This way to Trier, that way to Rannoch, and at day's end a cozy fire, a single malt and the sound of a pounding rain on the roof. Paradise, if you can handle it. Our six days were up too soon.

5 stars

Bryce - Scotland

September 2011

4 stars

fido - England

September 2011

4 stars

Heather T-S - England

September 2011

A superb location and wonderful setting if you want to get away from it all & yet still be able to pop out for a meal if you wish (at nearby Corrour Station) & are willing to walk the mile after dark or in the rain! Had no problems with this as the apple & raspberry crumble was definitely worth it! Good base for hills.

4.5 stars

Juergen - Germany

September 2011

4 stars

philfluter - England

September 2011

A small hostel in a beautiful secluded location by the lake with no tarmac road for miles makes this very atmospheric and we really enjoyed our stay. I could not honestly give more stars for comfort and facilities because it is a very basic hostel with composting toilets, masses of midges (I stayed in August.) and erratic power supply, but provided this is what you are expecting it should not detract from the experience. Washrooms are good, and the kitchen/living area is very snug.

5 stars

K - England

August 2011

Don't hesitate, book now!!! This hostel is an excellent get away to the middle of nowhere. So beautifully and peacefully situated.

4 stars

Jon - England

August 2011

5 stars

SUSAN - Scotland

August 2011

5 stars

mg - Scotland

August 2011

5 stars

Nordi - Germany

August 2011

Take your time and enjoy a stay in this unique hostel!

4 stars

David H - England

August 2011

There is no fridge so don't turn up at the hostel with a week's supply of milk !

5 stars

NESTOR - Spain

August 2011

4.5 stars

Martin - England

July 2011

A cosy and welcoming hostel. For such an isolated location, the facilities arevery good. The two dorms are comfortable, whilst modern separate washrooms allow for a modicum of privacy, although (as stated clearly on the website) there are no showers. The kitchen area has most things needed and the sitting / dining area is great for getting to know your fellow guests. Just be aware that a trip to the toilet day or night will require a headtorch and that, although quite clean, the composting toilet can be a little smelly! Having the option of a meal cooked for you at Corrour Station (just over a mile away) is a real bonus and meant that I could travel light. A craking little hostel.

5 stars

Annie - Scotland

July 2011

So easy to reach by train and you are really right in the mountains . The hostel is beautifully situated on the shores of Loch Ossian. i took my bike on the rtain and hhad a great tinme cycling and bagged 3 munroes.

5 stars

iainbogtrotter - Scotland

July 2011

5 stars

sam - England

July 2011

I love this place - great people, great atmosphere and staff have told everyone I know about it a real treasure and Corrour restaurant was the same

4.5 stars

Graham - England

July 2011

4 stars

Eric - Scotland

July 2011

Great place to escape from it all, some cracking scenery

5 stars

mts - Scotland

June 2011

3.5 stars

old timer - Scotland

June 2011

Remember to bring a torch as this is needed in the loos because the lighting does not work.

4 stars

maccathasaig - Scotland

June 2011

5 stars

Joanne - Scotland

June 2011

Our group had a fantastic time staying at Loch Ossian. The warden was very friendly and accommodating and the hostel itself was clean, comfortable and cosy. A fantastic hostel in a beautiful location.

5 stars

David Mayers - England

June 2011

4.5 stars

Mo - Wales

June 2011

4 stars

erewegonow - Wales

June 2011

3.5 stars

peewee - England

June 2011

Superb location, somewhat less remote (20 mins from bar in good weather) and more comfortable than expected. Wide variety of local walks & ascents available. Bit breezy!

5 stars

urs - England

June 2011

3 stars

Cordula - Scotland

June 2011

2.5 stars

kelofa - Scotland

May 2011

heating poor - take own sleeping bag and don't rely on 'spare food'

4.5 stars

stuart - Scotland

May 2011

Great scenic and tranquil location, nice short (~1 mile) stroll to Corrour Station/Hostel for a meal or drink. 'Remote' yet easy access by train.

3.5 stars

tobi - Germany

May 2011

Great location, friendly staff, basic facilities!

4 stars

Simon J - England

May 2011

Get the train in, or walk in from Rannoch, or from Kinlochleven or Dalwhinnie as part of a wider backpacking trip. It's accessible but feels remote. Don't expect access between 10am and 4.30 pm, as per most hostels. You must be prepared to carry out your own waste food packaging, etc, as there are no disposal facilities - this shouldn't be a hardship if you've carted the stuff in!

5 stars

Lorna - Scotland

May 2011

4.5 stars

Elaine - England

May 2011

A stunning location, so much space to walk and explore. A wonderful gem in the SYHA inventory and well worth a visit and stay.

5 stars

Jim - Scotland

May 2011

A superb little hostel. The jewel in the crown of Scottish hostelling! A very relaxing experience with unbelievable scenery and a very friendly and helpful manager.

4.5 stars

Graeme - Scotland

May 2011

This was my first time hostelling and I thought I'd jump in at the deep end. Such a beautiful place, staff were so friendly and helpful. Yes, it's very basic, however for me this only added to the character and as long as you're aware of the limitations I don't think most travellers would be dissapointed.

4.5 stars

Robert L - Scotland

May 2011

Stunning scenery, a real get-away-from-it-all location. Cooking facilities okay, no fridge but just admire those views and hear the peace!

5 stars

Derren Wheeler - Scotland

May 2011

The cycle down to Laggan and Roy Bridge was v. enjoyable and scenic ( glacialogical textbook!) and easy effortwise, therefore suitable for average cyclists to enjoy the relative wildness.

5 stars

Bigfoot - Scotland

November 2010

4 stars

xadnkonk - Scotland

October 2010

4.5 stars

Gaelle Evrard - Belgium

October 2010

Travel tip: take the train, don't do like I did. However I did see 15 red deer on the way to the youth hostel and 2 black grouse! The train is probably the easy and only option. I thought I'd never find it, especially as it was getting darker

5 stars

0115coldgreenlander - England

October 2010

an absolute brillent visit

4 stars

JONATHAN - Scotland

October 2010

4.5 stars

PETER L - England

October 2010

5 stars

mitch81 - England

October 2010

Very basic but that is why I loved it so much....if you want to get away from it all I couldn't imagine anywhere better! Staff were lovely and very helpful.

4 stars

Big AL - Scotland

September 2010

5 stars

fenners - England

September 2010

5 stars

Gandalf1 - Scotland

September 2010

A 'must' hostel to visit. If you want to chill out for a couple of days this is a hostel to visit - you can only arrive at Loch Ossian by train, cycle or on foot.

4.5 stars

magoo2 - England

September 2010

easily the best located hostel ive stayed in, stunning location , highly recommended

4.5 stars

oldmountaineer - England

September 2010

A fine example of the very best traditions of youth hosteling. A comfortable haven in a magic place. The facilities are excellent but you must be aware of the limitations.You really do have to take all you need with you, and take something to pack out your rubbish. Some say the loos are smelly. One hut tour in the alps will put that into perspective. The sort of place you will never forget and always want to go back to.

4.5 stars

Arnaud (France, 73) - France

September 2010

One of the best youth hostel in Scotland. Eco-friendly, small and remote in the middle of nowhere: fantastic experience!!

4 stars

Lesley Russell - Scotland

September 2010

A little gem of a hostel, well worth a visit

4.5 stars

Parky - England

September 2010

Split your luggage into a rucksack and holdall type bag, preferably waterproof if arriving while the hostel is closed. This allows you to dump gear and go off to do a walk etc. A lockable steel mesh would give you peace of mind but your gear is less at risk here than most hostels. The restaurant at the staiton is excellent, we had an evening meal and then tea before catching the train back the next day and it is a nice place to chill out.

4 stars

Melchior912 - Scotland

September 2010

2.5 stars

full moon addict - England

September 2010

5 stars

Old Lob - England

August 2010

5 stars

solo - Scotland

August 2010

Set in fantastic location. A real 'get away '. Lovely warm atmosphere. Definitely a place I will return to again and again. I admire their commitment to maintaining their environment too.

4 stars

LJ - Scotland

August 2010

A wonderful place!

4.5 stars

Scott62 - Scotland

August 2010

Highly recommended, a real get away from it experience, home comforts available at the station house now with bar & restuarant, can't wait to return

4 stars

Genesis - Scotland

August 2010

Be thoughtful about others in the kitchen as it is small. Bunks are small so if you are tall beware, your feet will stick out the bottom. Enjoy the surroundings and don't expect the same facilities as in other hostels. An experience not to be missed summer or winter.

4.5 stars

Thomas Arbenz - Switzerland

August 2010

Looking for a remote spot on the moor - but still easily accessible ? Loch Ossian Hostel is the place to go. Excellent staring point for any kind of walk as well as a cosy place to come back after a long day in the pure air of the highlands. Highly recommended.

3.5 stars

Andy Hall - England

August 2010

A lovely remote hostel in a beautiful setting. I have stayed here before and will come again.

5 stars

Anita - Scotland

August 2010

The location is brilliant, the other stuff is as detailed on the web site, can't think of anywhere to stay better than this apart from wild camping but then woudn't have the company- I had a fantastic stay at Loch Ossian.

4.5 stars

CJ - Scotland

August 2010

5 stars

Ian - Scotland

August 2010

5 stars

rambler - England

August 2010

4.5 stars

mrdjjones - England

August 2010

4.5 stars

andy - Scotland

August 2010

4.5 stars

KemsingHarpers - England

August 2010

A breathtaking location, wonderful scenery and so so quiet. Book your rail tickets in advance to save money and ensure a seat as the trains can be surprisingly busy.

4.5 stars

jinn - Scotland

August 2010

4.5 stars

voucher - England

August 2010

5 stars

no screen name - England

August 2010

the cafe/bar at the station is incredibly expensive so make sure you take own food and beer etc

5 stars

Santashree - Scotland

July 2010

If you are a lone traveler looking for a wee break, this youth hostel is one of those perfect places to "escape" in the wilderness. I met some like-minded people to share hiking experiences by the cozy kitchen fire, witnessed a spectacular sunset, explored lochs and munros and enjoyed lovely meals in Corrour Station lodge (their venison burger is strongly recommended!). If you want to travel light and not up for carrying heavy food stuff or bother with cooking, the Corrour Station lodge provides a 5* solution to your gastronomic needs... It may be handy to carry a pack of wet wipe tissues along (because there are no showers)!

5 stars

macatae - Scotland

July 2010

A great location, a lovely remote hostel similar to Glen Affric but more accessible due to the railway being less than a mile away. You can shower at the station and have cooked meals.

4.5 stars

bedwellty - Wales

July 2010

come prepared with insect spray,otherwise enjoy nature at its best, an while you are there take a ride on the ordinary train to maileg its better than driving the sites are better.

4 stars

Graham - England

July 2010

5 stars

Allister - England

July 2010

Don't forget your trunks for a dip in the loch!

4.5 stars

susiewong - Scotland

July 2010

A real haven after a long walk. Warm and comfortable with everything I needed to set me up for the next day's walking. What a fantastically beautiful location too and it was great to know we were making minimum impact on the surroundings due to the 'eco friendly' nature of the hostel.

5 stars

portboyo - Scotland

July 2010

Whole area is fantastic. Hostel is ideally located and so atmospheric! Can't say enough about the place. By far the best SYHA hostel.

5 stars

David Bayley - England

July 2010

5 stars

swissgirl - Switzerland

July 2010

One of the nicest places to stay in Scotland! I would recomend it to everyone that loves the nature and is not afraid of deers or going without a shower for the stay (the washbasin however is excellent). :-)

4 stars

Peggynut - Scotland

July 2010

4.5 stars

Asmara - Scotland

June 2010

For an isolated atmospheric location come here.

4.5 stars

Monika - Germany

June 2010

4 stars

Wilf Williams - Australia

June 2010

4.5 stars

Chrissi - Germany

June 2010

4.5 stars

Bilbo Bartholemy - Belgium

June 2010

We stayed for a full week, which is quite rare as most people just pass one or two nights and then move on. As a "base of operations" to bag some Munros, follow the old donkey-trail south and discover all the beautiful nature all around, this YH is absolutely perfect. And knowing that one doesn't do any harm to the surroundings by staying in a "100% green" place adds to the marvelous feeling one gets there...

4.5 stars

Ruth - England

June 2010

Loch Ossian is a 'must do' for any hosteller in Scotland. The setting is quite simply superb. It had been on my list to visit for many years and I was not disappointed when I finally stepped off the train into the evening sun (yes, sun!) and walked the mile down the track to this little hostel set in a clump of trees on the edge of a beautiful loch. There is also the added bonus that the Corrour station house serves excellent food in the evenings.

4.5 stars

Solarpanel - Scotland

June 2010

This Hostel is well situated if walking in from Dalwhinnie or Fort william or just walking in the area.

4.5 stars

rangernic - Scotland

June 2010

A really warm and atmospheric hostel. Brilliant location. Good information about the history of the building and surroundings. More enjoyable than even the high expectations. And it's worth the walk to the station for a cooked breakfast! Highly recommended.

4.5 stars

anon - England

June 2010

4.5 stars

Tim - England

June 2010

wonderful location in good weather. Recently re-opened station restaurant at Corrour 1 mile from the hostel provides good food, especially breakfast

4.5 stars

Ken - Scotland

June 2010

4.5 stars

henry r - England

June 2010

5 stars

Geoff - Scotland

June 2010

4.5 stars

snathdag - Scotland

May 2010

If arriving by train, best to get off from one of the middle carriages. The hostel's a mile's walk away but the way there is straightforward along a track/road in good condition.

4 stars

Allan - Scotland

May 2010

5 stars

keith - England

April 2010

4.5 stars

Dick - England

April 2010

Travel tip - Go now.

4.5 stars

Lainey Pops - Scotland

April 2010

This hostel is located in a little place called heaven!

4 stars

alan - Scotland

October 2009

4.5 stars

- Scotland

October 2009

5 stars

Doug, Griogair, David - Scotland

October 2009

5 stars

Geogmen - England

October 2009

A great hostel with a warm welcome in a wonderful setting! Dr.Michael Staveley &,Clive Blanshard FRGS

4.5 stars

Santi - England

October 2009

4 stars

SteveJ - England

October 2009

The hostels location is serene

5 stars

Mof Bram - England

October 2009

Don't rely on the cafe at the station being open. The lease to the present tenants was due to end on November 1st and was not to be renewed.

4.5 stars

SC - England

October 2009

4.5 stars

Dugal - Scotland

September 2009

5 stars

Will Watts - England

September 2009

We stayed here for one night as a 'holiday' from doing the West Highland Way (by train to & from Bridge of Orchy) and thoroughly enjoyed it. A wonderful hostel in beautiful surroundings. GO THERE!

4.5 stars

brianboru - England

September 2009

5 stars

gbh - England

September 2009

3.5 stars

JC - Scotland

September 2009

Make sure you are aware of the limited facilities at this hostel before arrival!

5 stars

Angelika - Germany

September 2009

4.5 stars

Diana from Germany - Germany

September 2009

A great experience to stay in Scotlands second remotest hostel. Although there is still no shower, facilities have improved a lot in the last years. It remains a lovely basic place with a nice real fire and lots of atmosphere.

5 stars

Agnès Abt - France - France

September 2009

"the best place of scotland!"

4.5 stars

Pip - England

September 2009

5 stars

Geoff - England

August 2009

A great little hostel for those wanting an adventurous holiday. Walked across Rannock Moor to the hostel and left by train. No road access gives the feeling of isolation.

5 stars

Jenni - Scotland

August 2009

Our long awaited visit to Loch Ossian turned out, despite some very wet weather, to be a real treat. We left the car in Crianlarich near the hostel which felt the safest option before getting the train to Corrour. Sadly, despite the rain and midges, we were not made welcome at the cafe, so headed straight to the hostel, where we were made very welcome.The young relief warden (Ben) made us feel immediatly at home, sharing with us his knowledge of local wildlife and plant-life. Black throated diver on the loch, dotterel on Beinn na Lap and a herd of deer across the glen, wild ceps and blaeberries in the forests were such a treat. Good to experience living virtually off-grid for a couple of days.(Only a telephone landline makes it a little connected).Compost loos were smelly but hopefully this issue can be resolved.

5 stars

Sue - England

August 2009

Hostel is in superb location and has a lovely atmosphere to it. Well worth a visit or two!!!

4.5 stars

Maria - Malta

August 2009

This hostel is really out of the way so do take sufficient food and drink with you! There's no Tesco! A truly amazing place if you want to 'escape' and so easy to access by train. Also amazing because of it's eco-friendliness.

4.5 stars

zarko - England

August 2009

5 stars

Marilynbagger - Scotland

August 2009

Beinn na Lap - the local Munro - is easier than a Saturday afternoon's shopping trip and you get a better view than from the top of Sauchiehall St.

5 stars

Gill - England

August 2009

Take as little rubbish with you or as little stuff that will generate rubbish as you have to bring it all back with you. Prepare well!

5 stars

Alex - Scotland

August 2009

We brought our two young sons (5 & 8) for two nights. They loved it, especially the compost loilets! They also claimed their first Munro, Beinn na Lap, just beside the hostel. Arriving by train was a great adventure too. The warden and the other guests were very friendly and welcoming and the hostel has chess, Jenga, dominoes etc which kept us entertained so any qualms we had about bringng youngish children swiftly disappeared. We cooked for ourselves one night and ate at the station house the other night. As long as children are OK with long walks in any weather conditions then I would definitely recommend Loch Ossian as a great antidote to everyday life.

5 stars

barbara - Germany

August 2009

4.5 stars

UKTim - England

August 2009

5 stars

panos - Greece

July 2009

4 stars

Fi - Scotland

July 2009

I met other travellers who didn't realise there were no showers (there is a loch right on site though!) so perhaps this needs to be publicised so that folk can come better prepared

5 stars

Mirka - Czech Republic

July 2009

5 stars

Nigel - England

July 2009

A stunning location & you can't get a mobile phone signal, which is a bonus.

5 stars

Alistair - Scotland

July 2009

We had a fine walk in from Dalwhinnie.

4.5 stars

no comment - Scotland

July 2009

4.5 stars

Daisy - Scotland

July 2009

Great hostel to stay in you really want to get away from things!!

5 stars

Hart - England

July 2009

4.5 stars

purplebox - England

July 2009

4.5 stars

Paul - Scotland

June 2009

Fantastic location!

4 stars

mornski - Scotland

June 2009

As you have to take all your rubbish away with you, don't arrive with loads of things wrapped in plastic!

4.5 stars

mickey - Germany

June 2009

4.5 stars

. - England

June 2009

5 stars

ciri - Scotland

June 2009

5 stars

brian - England

May 2009

dont overplan , we planned in advance and with the prevailing snow and high winds (in mid may) we reduced our expectations and binned our intentions only on arrival to do a 15miler in unknown and with no tracks, territory- fortunately !!!

4.5 stars

Peter Caithness - Scotland

May 2009

May is the time to see the rhododendrons on the South side of the Loch.

4.5 stars

marijke - Scotland

May 2009

5 stars

Dougie - Scotland

May 2009

Excellent ambience.

5 stars

Carol - England

May 2009

5 stars

Jon Garrett - England

May 2009

4 stars

Shambaboy - Scotland

April 2009

4 stars

David O M Wedderburn - Scotland

April 2009

4 stars

John Oldham - England

November 2008

Great Hostel for non drivers you can only walk there although Corrour station is only 20 minutes walk If heading up to the eastern end of the loch one of the estate workers meets the morning train from Fort William to collect mail and will invariably offer you a lif

4.5 stars

Dugal - Scotland

November 2008

SYHA - ratings, reviews and travel tips!