Ballater Hostel

Ballater Hostel Ballater Hostel is one of the few five star hostels in Scotland. We are conveniently situated in a quiet courtyard near the centre of the village. Free WiFi.

Ballater is a perfect location for exploring the Eastern Cairngorms National Park and rural Aberdeenshire. Ideally located for Lochnagar, Balmoral Castle and Loch Muick. Walkers, cavers, climbers, cyclists and skiers appreciate our excellent drying room and secure storage area for bikes. We have a choice of shared bunkroom accommodation or private rooms. We are fully accessible for wheelchair users. Stunning common room with wood burning stove and TV.

As is tradition when you leave a hostel we ask guests to strip their beds, and if they're up for it, create a sculpture ...
18/07/2025

As is tradition when you leave a hostel we ask guests to strip their beds, and if they're up for it, create a sculpture out of their linen. A recent guest didn't disappoint ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿ˜†

If you are around this Sunday why not come along to Ballater Duck Festival - and have a wee flutter on our duck - number...
26/05/2025

If you are around this Sunday why not come along to Ballater Duck Festival - and have a wee flutter on our duck - number 11 - "Top Bunk" ๐Ÿ˜Š

09/05/2025

When you're exploring a place as special as the Cairngorms, having a friendly base makes all the difference. Our independent hostels aren't just about a bed for the night; they're run by people who know and love this region, ready to share their insights and make you feel at home.

At Fraoch Lodge, you can join their guided walks and come back to the smell of home baking โ€“ a real treat after a day in the mountains.

The folks at Ballater Hostel in the village are always ready with a warm welcome and can point you to the best local spots.

Discover the tranquillity of Glenbeg Bunkhouse and Bothy Cairngorms Activities, where the peaceful setting is perfect for unwinding after your Cairngorms explorations.

Experience the genuine hospitality at Prosen Hostel, a cosy and eco-conscious choice with stunning views right on its doorstep.

And at Dalwhinnie Old School Hostel, you'll find a unique place to stay with hosts who can help you make the most of your time in the area.

For a truly authentic Cairngorms experience, choose one of our independent hostels. You'll find a warm welcome and a perfect base for your adventures.

Find your friendly Cairngorms base at Scottish Hostels

Introducing our newest staff member, all ready for the 2025 season, Elowen Daisy ๐Ÿ’œ. Slowly getting the hang of the admin...
24/03/2025

Introducing our newest staff member, all ready for the 2025 season, Elowen Daisy ๐Ÿ’œ. Slowly getting the hang of the admin side of things๐Ÿ’ป๐Ÿ‘, yet to see assistance with the cleaning ๐Ÿงน๐Ÿ™„.

๐‚๐ซ๐š๐ข๐  ๐‚๐จ๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ข๐œ๐ก ๐‡๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐‘๐ฎ๐งBig hands up to ๐‡๐š๐ซ๐ซ๐ฒ & ๐“๐ก๐จ๐ฆ๐š๐ฌ who came back to the hostel one year after their first attempt eag...
10/09/2024

๐‚๐ซ๐š๐ข๐  ๐‚๐จ๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ข๐œ๐ก ๐‡๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐‘๐ฎ๐ง
Big hands up to ๐‡๐š๐ซ๐ซ๐ฒ & ๐“๐ก๐จ๐ฆ๐š๐ฌ who came back to the hostel one year after their first attempt eager to improve on their time. And boy did they! They knocked 3mins 14secs off their time, taking 23mins 54 secs, meaning they are now jointed 5th in the under 18's league and jointed 46th overall. Amazing achievement ๐Ÿ‘Š

Another guest took on the ๐—•๐—ฎ๐—น๐—น๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ฒ๐—ฟ ๐—›๐—ผ๐˜€๐˜๐—ฒ๐—น ๐—›๐—ถ๐—น๐—น ๐—ฅ๐˜‚๐—ป challenge recently. ๐—Ÿ๐—น๐—ผ๐˜†๐—ฑ ๐—”๐—ฑ๐—ฎ๐—บ๐˜€ from southern England enthusiastical...
19/08/2024

Another guest took on the ๐—•๐—ฎ๐—น๐—น๐—ฎ๐˜๐—ฒ๐—ฟ ๐—›๐—ผ๐˜€๐˜๐—ฒ๐—น ๐—›๐—ถ๐—น๐—น ๐—ฅ๐˜‚๐—ป challenge recently. ๐—Ÿ๐—น๐—ผ๐˜†๐—ฑ ๐—”๐—ฑ๐—ฎ๐—บ๐˜€ from southern England enthusiastically ran up and down in an awesome 22mins 51secs, putting him 38th overall and 28th male. Really well done Lloyd! And with a smile on your face at the end ๐Ÿ˜Š

This was roughly a week after Ballater Hostel's own Dominique took on the official Hill Run on Ballater Games Day on 8th August, completing in a respectable 45mins. Planting ciders night before in a bush and completing the final lap of the games field with them certainly made it! ๐Ÿ˜†

๐—”๐—ฟ๐—ฒ ๐˜†๐—ผ๐˜‚ ๐˜‚๐—ฝ ๐˜๐—ต๐—ฒ ๐—ฐ๐—ต๐—ฎ๐—น๐—น๐—ฒ๐—ป๐—ด๐—ฒ???


Ballater Victoria Week scarecrow trailWe love taking part in it each year and this year there are over 30 entries across...
07/08/2024

Ballater Victoria Week scarecrow trail

We love taking part in it each year and this year there are over 30 entries across the village! This year we opted for some of Ari's favourite characters - Mr Men!

If you're in Ballater - did you spot all 8??

Look out for...

Mr Strong
Mr Bump
๐——ฬถ๐—ฎฬถ๐—ปฬถ๐—ถฬถ๐—ฒฬถ๐—นฬถ Mr Grumpy
Mr Small
Little Miss Birthday (at Ari's request, seeing as it was her birthday)
Little Miss Tiny (Ari's creation ๐Ÿ˜Š)
Mr Tickle
Walter the Worm

When you're 6 days in to making sourdough bread and you have to take your dough to work so as to not miss important step...
18/07/2024

When you're 6 days in to making sourdough bread and you have to take your dough to work so as to not miss important steps ๐Ÿ˜†

Silver lining - the drying room is perfect temperature for rising!




Another awesome linen creation by our guests - this time four cyclists (can you see the link ๐Ÿšฒ๐Ÿ˜†) who'd started in Edinbu...
30/06/2024

Another awesome linen creation by our guests - this time four cyclists (can you see the link ๐Ÿšฒ๐Ÿ˜†) who'd started in Edinburgh and yesterday did the Deeside Way.

Challenge truly accepted!! ๐Ÿ‘

Thank you Moira Dunworth & Co! ๐Ÿ˜Š


Very exciting day today!! We've just had three external power points installed in our bike storage area ๐Ÿ”Œโšก๏ธ๐Ÿšฒ (Vast impr...
14/06/2024

Very exciting day today!! We've just had three external power points installed in our bike storage area ๐Ÿ”Œโšก๏ธ๐Ÿšฒ (Vast improvement on the sole one we had before.) Never thought I'd get this excited about a plug ๐Ÿ˜†

Ballater Hostel has secure bike storage at the front of the hostel for ample bikes (we've had 28 in the past). The bike storage has access to an outside tap & hose (to wash down your bike), electricity points (to charge your eBike battery), bike tools and bike locks (returnable deposit required). The bike storage itself has CCTV, bike racks to lock your bike to, is locked itself with a padlock and is situated in Ballater (crime isn't exactly high here)! There is also a light (so in the winter months you can work on your bike in the evening).

Happy days ๐Ÿ˜Š


Here at Ballater Hostel we ask guests to strip their beds on departure (an old hostel tradition we try to hold on to), c...
02/06/2024

Here at Ballater Hostel we ask guests to strip their beds on departure (an old hostel tradition we try to hold on to), challenging guests to make a sculpture out of their linen.

This morning's guests outdid themselves!! I loveeeee this ๐Ÿ˜†

Thank you Paul Ellison , Catherine & Quince! ๐Ÿฅฐ

Address

Bridge Square
Ballater
AB355QJ

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 10am
5pm - 10pm
Tuesday 8am - 10am
5pm - 10pm
Wednesday 8am - 10am
5pm - 10pm
Thursday 8am - 10am
5pm - 10pm
Friday 8am - 10am
5pm - 10pm
Saturday 8am - 10am
5pm - 10pm
Sunday 8am - 10am
5pm - 10pm

Telephone

+441339753752

Website

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