Isle of Skye is a charming island with magic atmosphere, produced by the fog, rain, magnificent cliffs, leafy vegetation, and the sea. It seems incredible that there still remains a place like that on earth, so near home. Portree, the little capital, is a wonderful place with coloured houses (pink, blue, yellow, green) and a small port full of boats. Somebody told me that the inhabitants of Skye had never seen the sun. I don't know if it's true or not, but it's possible (I didn't see the sun in the seven days I stayed there in August 2006). But it doesn't matter, because the island is completely amazing. I highly recommend this fabulous place!
Isle of Skye … If you plan to visit Skye, plan to take the ferry from Mallaig to Armadale -- much nicer than the bridge at Lochalsh. A Scottish Piper will greet you at the dock, and the ferry ride is beautiful. Skye is a mystical place, with its blazing sun one minute and torrential downpours the next. Portree is a colorful step back in time and the Gaelic language is everywhere.
Isle of Skye … Easily one of the most breathtaking places on Earth. Friendly people. Kylakin (first town across the bridge from the mainland) is beautiful, but venture out to the edges and coasts of Skye to see jaw-dropping beauty. Wow, wow, wow.
Glebe Barn Hostel in Isle of Eigg … I visited this hostel in 2000 (five years ago), when it was newly opened. The interior belies the stark exterior; it's very warm, spacious and comfortable. The ground floor has a large dining area, with an open-hearth fire in the middle, and a comfortable sitting area. Books and games are provided for truly inclement days, but then you don't come to the Hebrides for the weather, do you? The hostel is self-catering, but a large kitchen is available with all the necessary items provided. If the weather is dry and warm enough, you can sit outside and enjoy the views of the mountains on the mainland (10-50 miles away) and the Isle of Skye to the north.
The best thing about the Glebe Barn is ... that it is on Eigg. Although but a small island (5 by 8 km or 3 by 5 miles) it has everything: mountains, cliffs, lochs, rivers (albeit small), meadows, moorland, stupendous vistas and friendly people. It's a real place to be away from it all, and only a 75-minute ferry ride from the mainland…
Croft Bunkhouse & Bothies in Isle of Skye … I planned to stay for 2 nights, but ended up there for a week! It's in a brill location to explore Skye, and there's a good pub just up the road. The owner gave useful tips regarding local walks and places to see. The hostel itself was clean and cosy. Overall, I'd definitely recommend the place.
Portree Independent Hostel in Isle of Skye … This hostel was awesome. It is very clean and has an enormous kitchen that is fun to hang out in late into the night. Just be sure to be quiet after 11 p.m. and clean up after yourself. The bathroom was really, really clean!!!
Glenbrittle Youth Hostel in Isle of Skye … The friendly family who run it, and the well-kept hostel make this a great place to stay.
Iona Hostel in Iona … This is one of my top hostels. It is small, with only 18 beds, and very cozy. The bunks are huge, with good storage areas and big private bathrooms. There is excellent decoration throughout the place, and it has a warm communal lounge. There is one large table. The self-catering facilities are excellent. The owners were very friendly, and they introduced people who were arriving to other guests who were around. It is on a very quiet island — after all the day-trippers have gone, it's lovely and peaceful. There is a very clean beach with crystal clear water beside the hostel. This is not a party place — there is no TV, Internet access, phone or stereo, and guests are asked to respect that this is a place that many people come to for reflection and retreat. The long walk from the ferry terminal is more than worth it for this level of comfort. The other guests were very friendly. A tip — if you're self-catering, stock up before arriving on the island as the local shop has a very…
Skye Backpackers in Isle Of Skye … This was a small, lovely hostel. My husband and I were even able to get a small double room, which was nice and clean, and even decent linens--all this for not much more than the cost of the dorm rooms per person. Prices were very reasonable for a hostel, considering this is Great Britain. The shower and bathroom were in the hall, but also nice and clean. This was a social hostel, where you could meet lots of other folks from all over, and chat in the evening or over breakfast, which was very reasonably priced. Staff were friendly and helpful. This is a hostel I would definitely recommend.
Dun Caan Hostel in Isle of Skye … a great home-from-home feeling hostel.
was a great time staying there.
it's very familiar and the owners can tell you a lot about the isle of skye, things to see and to do. there's also a lot of brochures, books, pics and maps.
definitely a great place to stay.
...and to go back!
greetings to laila and terry
Sligachan Bunkhouse in Isle of Skye … Great set up if you're with a group and want to do walking (right across the stream from Sligachan hotel/bar). It's like a wee cottage with a few rooms of bunks, two central lounges (with wood provided) and a fantastic kitchen. The only downside was metered heating - we were on a zero budget so nearly froze to death (until another group arrived and started putting money in!) Oh, and linen is extra :( but otherwise great.
Kyleakin Youth Hostel in Isle of Skye … Kyleakin is a good place to stay, with buses to Fort William, Inverness, Glasgow and elsewhere in Skye stopping right outside the door. The few restaurants in Kyleakin village are within walking distance. Kyleakin Youth Hostel has a fair-sized kitchen and eating area. It has two laundry machines. Staff are welcoming. There is one small convenience store in the village, and a large co-op two miles away across the water in Kyle of Lochalsh. At the time of writing, the shuttle service across the bridge was suspended; inquire locally about buses.
In summary, this is a convenient stage post for further travel around Skye or elsewhere in Western Scotland.
Skyewalker Hostel in Isle of Skye … I visited 2 years ago. It was very clean and friendly with great views.
Armadale Youth Hostel in Isle of Skye … Lovely place - location is really something to take your breath away, rain, hail or shine (or all at once!). The lock out during the day is rough if you don't have a car but YHA only provide for one F/T staff member so it's not really the manager's fault. I found it quite cosy for a YHA - a few 'homey touches' here and there like seashells on the window sills etc. It's a wee bit hard to reach so phone for directions in advance (or have a car!) If you've got a bit of time on Skye it's definitely worth a visit. And the nearest pub is quite cool as well!
Flora MacDonald Hostel in Isle of Skye … Awe-inspiring location. Sleat is amazing...lots of options for beds (dorms, family rooms etc) and hostel owner keen to divulge local stories and history (especially on the Macdonalds!). A wee bit out of the way for us as we were travelling without a car but worth the trip - moreso if there's a group of you so you can pool your drinks and have your own private ceilidh!
Hostelz.com is the only hostel guide with complete information and reviews on all youth hostels and backpackers worldwide.
