Orkney Hostels - Cheap Lodgings and Quality Hostels on Orkney

Orkney is surprisingly well supplied with good quality, cheap hostels. And a good thing too -- with so many hikers, cyclists and wildlife enthusiasts heading there with their backpacks. Many of the hostels have private rooms with ensuite facilities and family rooms. On Westray, one of Orkney's smaller islands, there is even a five-star hostel.

These are some of the best:

• Bis-Geos is a 5-star facility on Westray. It sleeps 12 in bunkhouse, private and family rooms. There is also an associated, self catering cottage.
• The Barn, Westray is a 4-star hostel with twin and family rooms. This modern hostel in a stone-built house, has great views.
• Stromness Hostel is a small, friendly, 3-star facility in a recently converted schoolhouse near the ferry port.
• Ayre's Rock Hostel on the small island of Sanday is a 4-star accommodation with an eccentric local craft shop and a very comfortable lounge.
• Birsay Outdoor Centre is a community-owned, 3-star facility on Orkney's Mainland.
• The Hoy Centre is a 4-star, community-owned facility that sleeps 28 and includes ensuite rooms on the "high island" of Hoy.