Bridge of Orchy Hotel Bunkhouse

The 52 bed bunkhouse is run by the Bridge of Orchy Hotel. It is set in a beautiful location on the river Orchy, and despite its extremely remote location, is easily accessible by car, train, bus, or foot. Activities in the area include walking the West Highland Way, skiing at Glencoe, and rafting the river Orchy.

The bunkhouse is located in a separate building to the hotel. It has a code combination lock on external doors, and individual keys for rooms. The rooms are twin, triple, or seven bed shared dorm, and all have bunk beds (double beds are only available in the hotel). The rooms are very basic and only come with the bed and bare mattress (no bottom sheet or even a pillow). There is no other furniture in the rooms. If you are lucky, some of the rooms do have amazing views of the surrounding countryside. The bathrooms are all shared and are ok, though the showers are typically British (i.e. no water pressure!). It is relatively clean, though the duvet covers (optional extra cost of 3 pounds) are a little questionable.

There is no smoking anywhere in the hostel, so you don't have to worry about a smoky environment. The bar is open day and night and serves food from 8am to 9pm. It is the only place you can buy food in town. The nearest shop is 6 miles away in Tyndrum. There is no internet access here, but there are payphones. Other bunkhouse facilities include a drying room and laundry (2 pounds wash, 2 pounds dry, 50p powder).

There are absolutely not common areas in the bunk house, and no kitchen. Quite possibly a deliberate attempt to force you into the hotel bar and restaurant. The atmosphere here is not so friendly. As a guest in the bunkhouse you feel like a less-welcome guest than those in the hotel. You get the feeling you are being treated with contempt for choosing to stay in the cheaper bunkhouse, rather than the hotel. The lack of common areas and the snobby attitude in the hotel make the Bridge of Orchy hotel bunkhouse more of a place to stop for one night, than somewhere to stay for a while.

Getting there:

• Reception for the Bunkhouse is in the Bridge of Orchy hotel. If you are arriving late at night phone ahead.
• By Car - Look out for the big white Bridge of Orchy building on the A82, 6 miles north of Tyndrum or 12 miles south of the Glencoe ski field.
• By Train – Get off the train at Bridge of Orchy train station. Exit the platform on the downhill side and go right. Follow the road down hill. When you reach the A82 main road you will easily be able to see the Bridge of Orchy hotel across the road. The bunkhouse is to the rear of the hotel building.
• By Bus – You want the Glasgow – Isle of Skye Citylink service. The bus will drop you off and pick you up right outside the Bridge of Orchy hotel.
• By Foot – The West Highland Way walk passes right past the Bridge of Orchy hotel.

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