Torridon Youth Hostel

This is probably one of the most remote youth hostels in the UK, high up in northwestern Highlands, on the blowy western coast, and as such it enjoys one of its most dramatic locations. It's perhaps significant that the local mountain rescue bases itself at the youth hostel.

 It's perfect for hiking, watching birds and wildlife and just generally enjoying the magnificence of the Scottish landscape; you come here for the mountains and coastal trails, the rugged scenery and fabulous walking country, and as such there's no better base perhaps in the whole of Scotland. In such unforgiving terrain you want somewhere reasonably cosy to come back to, however, and the Torridon Youth Hostel doesn't disappoint – a purpose-built modern building that has all the facilities you need: a spacious kitchen, two lounges and a range of multi-bedded and private en-suite rooms.

There's a café-restaurant, and the friendly and ultra knowledgable staff can recommend all manner of local pubs, walks and the activities – plus you can hire bikes, go kayaking or bag Munros with experienced guides. But it's the location that really steals the show here, with uninterrupted views right over the deep fjord of Upper Loch Torridon and the mountains beyond – pure bliss for outdoors types.