Scotland is without a doubt one of the most beautiful parts of the British Isles. Its soaring mountains and wild, windswept moors are a haven for climbers and walkers, and an inspiration to countless writers and artists through the years. But, for the millions of backpackers who visit the country every year, it's the sheer vibrancy of its big cities that really makes the trip so rewarding.
Edinburgh
Edinburgh Castle looms high above the city on its rock. Lit up at night, it's one of the world's most impressive landmarks. Where things get really interesting, though, is down in the city below.
Whilst the Edinburgh Festival is the major draw for travelers (with Hogmanay coming hot on its heels!), there's rarely a bad time to go to Edinburgh. From the narrow streets of the Old Town to the grand Georgian terraces of the New Town, it's a city packed with history and culture.
On the accommodation front, Edinburgh hostels are amongst the best out there. The Globetrotter Inn and High Street hostel are just a couple of the cheap accommodation options the city has to offer. Budget Backpackers and Castle Rock Hostel, with its staggering views of the castle, are another couple of great places.
Glasgow
Glasgow often gets a bit of a bad press when compared with Edinburgh. Like Edinburgh, though, the city is a mixture of architectural styles. Although it might not be quite as easy on the eye as the capital, striking modern buildings sit side by side with their fine Victorian counterparts.
But where the city really stands out is in its wide array of world-class art galleries and museums. Toss a fantastic nightlife into the mix, and the result is an outstanding all-round backpacking destination.
For cheap places to stay, the city doesn't have such a massive choice as Edinburgh. Glasgow hostels do, however, continue to pull in the travelers, and send them off again delighted with their stay in the city.
If Euro Hostel - with its bouncing bar heaving with happy travelers every night of the week - and the Glasgow Youth Hostel, are perhaps the most obvious candidates, there are a number of other excellent alternatives.
Inverness
Too many backpackers make the mistake of thinking that Scotland begins and ends with Edinburgh and Glasgow. But Inverness - the capital of the Highlands - is a great destination. What's more, it makes a convenient starting point from which to explore the surrounding countryside.
It may not have the must-see monuments of Edinburgh, or the world-renowned galleries of Glasgow but it has a pleasant, understated charm of its own. Nearby, there's Loch Ness (with its shy resident!) and the atmospheric Urquhart Castle on its shores...
When it comes to places to stay, the choice is essentially between Bazpackers, the Inverness Student Hotel and, right next to the bus station, the Inverness Tourist Hostel. All have their strong points: Inverness hostels obviously aren't as big as those in Edinburgh or Glasgow for a start. As a result of this, you get just that bit more contact with the staff which helps create a homely feel.
Ultimately, with a range of great hostels in all three cities, for student travelers and those backpacking their way around the UK, Scotland's got so much going for it.
About the Author
Before settling down and becoming a copywriter for HostelBookers. Ben Cooper did a backpacking tour of Scotland, he checked out a variety of the country's budget and group accommodation , including a number of most Edinburgh hostels.
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