Loch Ness Backpackers Lodge

The Loch Ness region is spectacular - lovers of the great outdoors will have a field day with us in Drumnadrochit. There are dozens of great places to go and explore on foot from our doorstep.
The hostel is a lovely relaxed place to be, and although we all work hard we really enjoy spending time together and with our guests. The more fun we have, the more fun they have!

We (Nikki and Patrick) took over the hostel in August 2016. Patrick has worked in hostels for years and is loving finally owning his own. We have two young kids, Joni and Finn, who are always around somewhere causing havoc and distracting us all, volunteers included! We also have a dog who is equally distracting but much loved by volunteers and guests. The volunteers we've had so far have been the life blood of the hostel, setting the tone and keeping things running smoothly. We encourage all volunteers to really enjoy their time with us by going off and exploring the Highlands, and we do what we can to enable that. Back at the hostel, we organise regular incentive schemes and fun parties to keep the team motivated and involved.

Top Host
This host receives a lot of worldpackers and has a high average rating.

All experiences

Friendly hostel in beautiful Scottish Highlands

Housekeeping Cleaning Administration Reception

Drumnadrochit, United Kingdom

Reviews

5.0
(31 reviews)31

Staff & Host

5.0

Hours & Tasks

5.0

Hostel

5.0

Learning & Fun

5.0

Spain

5

I have done my first volunteer work at this hostel and I can’t be more grateful. The owners, Nikki and Patrick have been super friendly and helped us in everything they could. The place, the people I have met, the experiences I have had (many first times! ) have been magical. From the meetings at the bar, to the baths in the lake in ice water, playing with Dougal , the real dog owner and lord of the place until the starry nights. I recommend 100x100 this small haven of peace in the middle of nowhere. Thank you very much Nikki and Patrick, , I can’t explain in words what it has meant to me :)

6 months ago

Chile

5

The experience in Loch Ness Backpackers Hostel was incredible, something I didn't expect. Is a small town and you can be delighted with beautiful cottages, rainbows, deers, nature and more. If you are seeking for a place surrounded by nature with hikes nearby, this is the place. Nikki and Patrick are lovely hosts, they teach you, can give you lifts to Inverness or hikes. The duties are not difficult, it's hard work as the description says, but as long as you work in team everything is easier 💪 If you decide to come, go to swim to the Loch as much as you can, it's lifetime experience 😍

6 months ago

Colombia

5

This was my first volunteering experience and it was really nice, the tasks were easy to do and there are many beautiful landscapes and places to explore in your free time, such as the Loch which is so close to the hostel so you can go anytime you want. Thank you Nikki and Patrick, I really enjoyed my time there, hope to see you again!!

6 months ago

United States

5

This was a really great volume experience I highly recommend it for everyone! The work is easy mostly cleaning in the mornings and chill bar shifts in the evenings. The village is very cute with lots of walks to go on and tons of hiking. I loved swimming in the loch and river next to the hostel. We spent the evenings cooking dinner together each night and the days were spent in the forest or up on a mountain. Patrick and Nikki are greats hosts and really want you to have the best experience possible They even helped some of us to go on a road trip together which is one of my best memories!!

6 months ago

Hong Kong (Sar)

5

Nikki and Patrick were awesome, sociable, supportive and really interesting hosts. The tasks were easy and well organised with room for flexibility. Even though I was mostly in charge of cleaning because of my short stay, I got to greet and meet a lot of great guests at the hostel who were backpacking across the Highlands. The hostel itself was always super clean and I never felt uncomfortable at my job. The staff accommodation was very comfortable and clean (credit due to my other colleagues) and the kitchen was extremely well equipped! Awesome!

6 months ago

Perfect for you if you're looking for

Contact with nature

Wilderness

Family