Two Hostelling Scotland hostels have picked up the top awards in the TGO Reader Awards. Torridon Youth Hostel won gold, while Loch Ossian Youth Hostel took silver.
I confess that Loch Ossian Youth Hostel is one of my favourites.
Read about my Corrour adventure when I ran around Loch Ossian and “It’s my dream job,” says hostel manager.
Loch Ossian Youth Hostel. 
Torridon Youth Hostel.
Hostelling Scotland delight at double win
Hostelling Scotland is a self-funding charity, which celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2021. The organisation is delighted that Torridon Youth Hostel won Gold and Loch Ossian Youth Hostel took silver in the Hostel or Bunkhouse of the Year category in The Great Outdoors Reader Awards 2021.
Having received a large number of public nominations in the magazine’s 10th Reader Awards, two of the most iconic youth hostels in Scotland were shortlisted in the category against stiff competition from YHA (England & Wales) and independent hostels and bunkhouses from throughout the UK.
Hostelling Scotland’s members, together with outdoor enthusiasts from throughout the UK who use the Youth Hostel network for their expeditions, showed their support by voting for their favourite hostel or bunkhouse.
Margo Paterson, CEO of Hostelling Scotland, said: “We are delighted to have achieved a Gold TGO award for Torridon Youth Hostel and Silver for Loch Ossian Youth Hostel at these prestigious awards.
“These awards are fitting tributes to the dedication and hard work of the youth hostel teams involved and we are grateful to everyone who voted for us.”
Torridon Youth Hostel
A Silver award winner in the 2020 TGO Awards, the dog-friendly Torridon Youth Hostel enjoys a fantastic setting on the NC500 at the head of Upper Loch Torridon.
The 4.5 (out of 5) star guest rated hostel is a popular base for hillwalkers, climbers and those simply wishing to relax and enjoy the magnificent scenery and local wildlife of the North West Highlands.
There is plenty to offer outdoors fans including Munro bagging, mountain biking, kayaking and paddleboarding.
Loch Ossian Youth Hostel
Loch Ossian Youth Hostel sits on the southern shore of Loch Ossian and can only be accessed on foot or by bike from the nearby Corrour railway station (the highest mainline railway station in the UK).
The traditional and homely eco-hostel – locally sourced hydro power complimenting the micro generated solar power supply, composting toilets, a reed bed grey water drainage system and even bat-friendly paint – makes a great year-round escape for hillwalkers looking to explore a remote wilderness.
With a 4.5 (out of 5) star guest rating, it has plenty of low and high level walks to choose from, including Munros and Corbetts. The hostel is also popular with cyclists, star gazers, wildlife watchers, groups and families.