Lochside Hostel Events

What events to expect at Lochside in 2025

With so many hostels in the Highlands, we didn’t want to just give you a regular stay in a beautiful location, we wanted to give you an experience that you will never forget. That’s why we have worked hard to create the best atmosphere and a true destination hostel on Loch Ness with a full week of fantastic events. Have a look at what to expect each day at Lochside!

Lochside Hostel Events - Pool Tournament

Monday to Thursday

The start of the week is also the start of the fun at Lochside! We’re taking advantage of our huge, communal lounge with some indoor events (because who knows what to expect with the Scottish weather). So without further ado, here’s our first few days of events:

  • Monday Night Pool Tournament: No cue needed and free to enter. Compete against fellow guests and our staff to be crowned the Lochside Pool Champ every Monday night.
  • Tuesday Games Night: Nothing brings people together like a night of board games and we set up a few in our main lounge to help our guests break the ice and show off their gaming prowess.
  • Wednesday Ceilidh: A trip to Scotland wouldn’t be complete without trying a traditional Scottish Ceilidh. A Ceilidh (pronounced kay-lee) is a traditional Scottish organized dance with spins, scrums and joviality guaranteed. Our staff help you learn the steps before the chaos begins, so even if you’ve never tried it before it’s super easy to pick up and an absolute hoot to be involved in (Kilt not required, but obviously encouraged)
  • Thursday Bonfire: Lochside holds the title of being the only hostel on the banks of Loch Ness and we take full advantage of this position with a bonfire every Thursday night. Grab yourself a few drinks from our reception and come down to the loch for music, chats and one of the most scenic ways to end a night in all of Scotland. 
Board Games at Lochside Hostel, Loch Ness

The Weekend!

Our weekends at Lochside get booked out early, but if you’re lucky enough to snag a spot then you have all of this to look forward to the following Lochside events:

  • Friday Night Beer Pong: Watch your elbows and try to sink as many balls as possible in our weekly Beer Pong Tournament! 
  • Saturday Night Ceilidh: Didn’t get the chance to join in our Wednesday Night Ceilidh? Not to worry, we run one on a Saturday too! 
  • Sunday Night Pub Quiz: If you love trivia and having a few drinks, you’ll love our Sunday Night Pub Quiz. With a huge range of questions, everyone has a chance to show off their intellect every Sunday at Lochside.
Scottish Ceilidh - Lochside Hostel Events

Daily Events and Other Events

If you’re not a night owl then not to worry, we also run some great daily events to keep you entertained.

  • Daily Loch Swim: Ever wanted to know how Nessie feels? Then take a dip in her home with our daily swim every day at 9. This is a great way to feel the refreshing waters of Loch Ness. If you don’t have anything to swim in we’re even able to lend you a towel and some gear. Just ask at reception!
  • Hikes: Lochside is lucky enough to call the Great Glen home and we have plenty of fantastic hikes leaving from our door. But our favourite is definitely the Altsigh Triangle hike, which goes up behind the hostel and offers views down the Great Glen. From May we’ll be running 2 of these guided walks a week on Friday and Tuesday.
  • Parties: We’ll be running a few parties throughout the season such as Loch Fest, our early season event, and a few other fantastic nights. If you’d like to see what’s happening throughout the season then check out our Instagram or our blog
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