The Smiddy Bunkhouse & Blacksmiths Backpackers Hostel

We are a warm and comfortable family-run, Alpine style hostel and bunkhouse. The timber clad building is set on the historic site of an old blacksmiths workshop in a unique location. We welcome families, couples, individuals or groups all year round – with fantastic views over Ben Nevis, the sea loch and surrounding mountains. Read more

The Smiddy Bunkhouse (sleeps 12 in bunkrooms of 4 and 8 persons) & Blacksmiths Hostel (Sleeps 14 in 2 rooms of 4 plus one room of 8 persons) are both fully self catered.

We are located 4 miles from Ben Nevis at the south western end of the Caledonian Canal in a convenient village location at Corpach. This is on the A830 to Mallaig 4 miles NW from Fort William close to the West Highland Railway Line (steam trains in summer). There is immediate access to the Road to the Isles – to Mallaig 47 miles away or the Great Glen Ways 77 miles to Inverness– for long distance walking, paddling, cycling or sailing. This is the real start to the LDR Great Glen Way.

The area is peacefully exciting with loads of outdoor activities nearly on the doorstep – there is a resident on site mountain and river guide for instruction, guiding, information and advice for climbing, hill walking, kayaking, open canoeing and dinghy sailing, and winter climbing. We also hire out canoes, kayaks and sailing dinghies to those who have paddled or sailed before plus fishing rod and mountain bike hire. Nevis range ski area is 5 miles away. There are also loads of excellent mountain bike trails in the area plus local forest walks, wild life watching, quad biking, ski-ing and snowboarding.

Our kitchens are fully self catered and well equipped. The accommodation is fully heated for all year round use – and our showers are HOT. There are 2 efficient drying rooms plus laundry facilities for all your wet cloths. A patio and barbeque are an ideal place to sit and chat in the evenings. A fully equipped meeting / lecture room is also available. There is secure storage for your bikes or kayaks.

Please telephone us on arrival if you arrive after 1700 hrs. We do not accept arrivals after 10pm unless by prior arrangement. Payment is by cash or GB cheque.