Our two nights here were the highlight of a four-day walking trip on the wettest/windiest and coldest May Day Bank holiday I can remember. Our party used various different high and low-level approach routes, all arrived soaked to the skin and were all greatly appreciated the constantly on-the-boil kettle, the two wood burning stoves, the hot, clean and powerful showers and the snug 2-room hostel, Audrey (the warden) was cheery, helpful and welcoming, the kitchen had everything we needed (including quite a bit of free spare food) and the selection of games (cards, chess, Cluedo, Balderdash, Masterpiece etc) and books kept us all entertained all evening. Hostel was full, with a great mix of different nationalities (French, Dutch, American etc) and everyone very friendly, The two main dorms are a short walk away from the main hostel (so bring a torch and flip-flops or equivalent (to avoid having to put on wet boots in the middle of the night). Make sure you have booked in advance and check out your approach route, as the river crossings on some of the routes can be tricky if the rivers are in spate.

We walked in from Glen Affric - its 10 miles, but with packs on our backs it took a bit longer than we'd expected at 3.75 hours (we went in via the north shore - which is basically a path and came back on the south shore which is a track, though it took effectively as long, though of the two, the views from the south looking north I thought were nicer). The hostel communal areas (kitchen, dining-room and lounge area) are real nice snug and warm - we stayed out in the dorms in a separate block - which were basic but fine (the toilet is in the main block and you will need a torch to get there) but I doubt if you are the kinda person that seeks out a place like this that you would worry about this and just enjoy the remote setting. It was nice meeting a whole range of people at the hostel - everyone was really nice and friendly - and the hostel warden, Audrey was friendly and chatty. Overall it was a great base to grab some out-of the way munros - come back have a warm shower, cook yourself a nice meal and curl up with a nice drink (note as an eco hostel you have to bring in and take out your own food/rubbish). We loved it - hope you do to.

If you are expecting ensuite rooms, fancy beds, breakfast, fridge, wifi, trouser press or a TV room, then this is not the place for you! The electricity supply is sporadic and is dependent upon the wind turbine and solar panels. You need to take your own food supplies, sleeping bag, pillow case cover and to carry out your rubbish. The very remote nature of this hostel means that it is no thrills.

However, what a great location and great atmosphere. It is totally cosy. Audrey, the warden, made sure that the wood burner was always on the go and that hot was available when you needed some for the shower. There was a great sense of camaraderie between all. What a great place to meet new and interesting people!