Looking for budget stays in Durness? This section is designed to save you time, money, and unnecessary stress. We've got insider tips to help you find affordable hostels and the cheapest places to stay in Durness.
Durness sits in the far reaches of the Scottish Highlands. The area is widely uninhabited and the landscape is amazing. To reach Durness, you have to travel by a narrow, single-track road, which can sometimes be frightening if another large vehicle is coming down the opposite direction! Buses run fairly regularly from Ullapool, Lairg, and Inverness if you are planning on traveling via public transportation.
The hostels in Durness are located fairly centrally in the village, well within nearby walking distance to the local pubs and a small grocery store. Smoo Cave is right nearby as well -- a vast sea cave that sometimes has waterfalls (if it has recently rained), Smoo Cave is best explored by boat.
The village itself is small and quiet most of the time, but has a wonderful view of the ocean and there is plenty to do in the area. Cape Wrath is a popular destination, as is the lighthouse that sits at the point, built by Robert Stevenson, the grandfather of Robert Louis Stevenson. Just east of Cape Wrath are the Clo Mor Cliffs. Balnakeil is also neat place to visit. Just northwest of Durness, Balnakeil has a wonderful beach (easily accessible and safe to swim, if it is not too cold!) and the Balnakeil Church ruins is a fascinating archaeological site to explore. It generally never gets too busy in Durness, so booking far in advance is not required, but perhaps advisable during the end of July because the Highland Games take place on the last Friday of July.
Written by Travel Expert Durness
Emily Schreiber