Argyll Backpackers Ltd

4.9 out of 5

213 reviews

0% recommend

4.7 location

4.9 staff/service

5 cleanliness

4.8 facilities

Guest from St Margarets Hope Orkney
10th September, 2026

5.0 of 5

Great facilities and friendly host.

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Location

Cleanliness

Staff/Service

Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

Owner Response

Hi, thanks for your 5* review and comments. Hope the rest of your trip went well, and maybe see you again on another one.

Guest from Helensburgh
27th August, 2026

4.8 of 5

Great view across the loch!

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Location

Cleanliness

Staff/Service

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Would Recommend: Yes

Tips for other travellers

The A83 is the main route to and from Campbeltown, so can be very busy with log lorries etc. Evenings (Sunday in our case) may be a bit quieter. The alternative route to/from Tarbert via Kilberry is considerably longer, but worth serious consideration for a more enjoyable ride if cycling.

Owner Response

Hi guys, thanks for your lovely review and comments/tips. Yes, cycling along the A83 can be a challenge at times...it is the main road, so a busy route. The Kilberry road is a lovely run though, and generally quieter...but hilly. Hope the rest of your trip went well.

Guest from Kingussie
25th August, 2026

4.8 of 5

No comment submitted.

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Location

Cleanliness

Staff/Service

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Would Recommend: Yes

Owner Response

Hi, thanks for your lovely review...hopefully see you again on another visit.

Guest from Edinburgh
24th August, 2026

4.8 of 5

Extremely friendly and helpful. Pam, who runs the place, was very chatty, full of helpful advice on what to do in the area, not to mention many good stories. The hostel itself was cosy and well equipped, and in a lovely location opposite the loch and right next to a small river. The kitchen is reasonably well equipped, with basic cooking ingredients (oil, some herbs and spices, breakfast ingredients) provided. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and hope to go back sometime.

Ratings

Location

Cleanliness

Staff/Service

Facilities

Would Recommend: Yes

Tips for other travellers

Can recommend a trip to Crinan Woods (temperate rainforest) and the neolithic stone carvings at Achnabreck. We were fortunate to catch a lift in the car of a generous fellow hosteller. Otherwise it is worth noting that it is a little difficult to get around without a car or bikes, as the buses are very infrequent and don't always line up well.

Owner Response

Hi, thanks for your lovely review, comments and tips. For a rural community, we are actually quite well served with local buses to the various villages, though during weekends and school holidays they are not as frequent, so some planning is essential. The main bus route (Glasgow-Campbeltown-Glasgow) covers the whole length of the A82/A83 (130 miles approx), with 5 buses daily each way (6 in summer), and outwith the larger villages and towns, will stop anywhere along the route (that is safe do so) for travellers. The timetables for all, are in the 'travel' section on the Hostel info table in the main corridor, though it is advisable to check on-line for updates to ensure connections with the more local routes from Ardrishaig and/or Lochgilphead. Hitching a lift has become quite common again after Covid, so is another option.