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
(35 reviews)35

Staff & Host

5.0

Hours & Tasks

5.0

Hostel

5.0

Learning & Fun

5.0

Australia

5

Nikki and Patrick were extremely welcoming and gracious hosts during my stay in Drum, with the work tasks being very clear and reasonable, the work hours/shifts being respected and the work schedule flexible and planned out far in advance. Places to eat and buy some groceries are within walking distance, while the closest city with cheaper options is a 25 minute drive away. Drum is a great spot for people looking for a quiet escape from city life, Loch Ness and a base for great hikes, would recommend :)

7 days ago

Brazil

4

My experience in the Hostel was nice, the tasks are simple and Patrick knows how to explain and teach them, Thanks Nikki for the time we had together and the time with the kids, i wish we had more time along out of shift to get along.

about 1 month ago

United States

5

I had a wonderful experience in Drum and Nikki & Patrick were fantastic hosts! They were great at communicating expectations and offered rides to Inverness regularly. I appreciated how much they cared that the volunteers were happy and provided great opportunities to experience the area and Scottish culture. The tasks were easy and the schedule was respected. It's a great location to see more of the Highlands and I highly recommend swimming in Loch Ness.

2 months ago

Chile

5

My experience and staying in general was wonderful! Nikki and Patrick are excellent hosts and workers, they are always willing to help you and listen to you in whatever you need, the habitability is one of the best I have lived in, the tasks to do are easy and there is nothing really complex to learn, I highly recommend loch ness backpackers as volunteering! It is also located in a beautiful place, completely green and with many things to see in its surroundings, thank you very much Nikki and Patrick for everything!

3 months ago

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 :)

12 months ago

Perfect for you if you're looking for

Contact with nature

Wilderness

Family