Backpackers Lodge
Affordable, friendly and full of character, Backpackers Lodge is the perfect launchpad for discovering Colonsay. The Lodge is located in a peaceful spot at the centre of the island with commanding views towards Loch Fada.
Set among open countryside in the centre of Colonsay, Backpackers Lodge offers a peaceful and affordable base with far-reaching views towards Loch Fada. Tucked away at the end of a winding track, it provides quiet surroundings while still being just 3 km from the pub, shop and pier. The Lodge House has free WiFi, a large garden with lawns, shrubs and outdoor furniture, and plenty of space to relax after a day’s exploring.
The Lodge consists of a Victorian former gamekeeper’s house and traditional stone bothies, along with a newly built self-contained bothy. In total, the site accommodates up to 18 guests across three separate buildings. Set within an enclosed garden bordered by open fields, the Lodge garden enjoys lovely views towards the hills and makes an excellent place for children to play.
There is ample parking beside the property, and the Lodge sits close to walking routes, the loch, and opposite an ancient standing stone. A laundrette with free washing machines and dryers is located 1 km away at Colonsay House.
A friendly, great-value base for families, walkers, nature-lovers and adventurers — Backpackers Lodge is the perfect way to discover Colonsay’s wild beauty without stretching the budget - and perhaps meet new friends along the way.
There's something for everyone at the Backpackers Lodge. Take a look below to find the accommodation type that's right for you.
All bed linen and towels are provided. Free WiFi throughout. Transport may be arranged to and from the pier for an extra charge (subject to availability). Unfortunately, we cannot permit dogs in the Backpackers Lodge or Bothy Fada.
Prices range from £36 to £55 per person per night. Please note that pre-booking is essential, as the Lodge does not have a reception.
Bookings and enquiries: cottages@colonsayholidays.co.uk or 01951 200312
Check availability and make a booking
Backpackers Lodge Accommodation
Rooms in the Lodge House
The ground floor of the main Lodge House includes a large drying/boot room with tiled floor and bench seating—perfect for walkers and adventurers, a well-equipped kitchen opening onto a communal living area with an open fire, sofas, TV, books, games, and a dining table. The windows look out over trees and the hills beyond. There is also a downstairs toilet.
Upstairs, there is a shared bathroom with a walk-in shower and toilet, while the ground floor has an additional toilet and sink. The lodge has free WiFi.
Bedrooms in the Lodge House:
• Port Lobh – A twin room on the ground floor; views onto the garden.
• Ardskenish – The largest room, spacious and light with woodland and countryside views; can be arranged as a triple.
• Balnahard – A comfortable upstairs room with countryside outlook.
• Milbuie – A charming upstairs bedroom with views across the fields.
House rooms range from £39 to £41.50 per person per night including linen.
Sleeping Bothy (Bunk Rooms)
The traditional stone bothies offer rustic charm with an exposed whitewashed stonework interior. Situated beside the dining bothy and the shower block, they house three ground-floor bunk rooms:
• Rubha Dubh – Bunk beds, sleeps 2; Velux roof window.
• Eilean Olmsa – Bunk beds, sleeps 2; country and garden views.
• Dun Ghallain – Bunk beds, sleeps 2; views across the hills and garden.
Bunk room cabin prices are up to £37 per person per night including linen.
We also have a newly built self contained cabin, Bothy Fada - see below
Bothy Fada
A newly built, self contained private cabin within the garden of the Backpackers Lodge.
Across the lawn from the Lodge house, in a quiet corner of the garden, sits Bothy Fada, a newly renovated, self-contained bothy offering peace, privacy and comfort. With sliding doors opening towards Loch Fada and the surrounding hills, it is bright, airy and modern inside.
All on one level, Bothy Fada includes:
• A double bedroom with garden and field views
• A cosy sitting area
• A compact kitchenette (microwave, kettle, toaster, sink, fridge)
• A modern bathroom with walk-in shower and heated towel rail
Guests also have use of all shared lodge facilites, such as the kitchens in the dining bothy or within the Lodge house.
Join other guests in the dining bothy if you wish, or enjoy quiet moments curled up with a book and the surrounding views. Body Fada is perfect for guests who want to enjoy their own space while still enjoying the communal atmosphere of the Lodge.
Prices range from £100 to £120 per night for a maximum of two people.
Shared guest facilities
Opposite the main house, the separate dining bothy provides additional cooking, dining and relaxation space for up to 16 guests. There is also a shower block available for all guests to use.
Dining bothy
The dining bothy is a great social hub after a day outdoors. Inside you’ll find:
• A large dining table
• A comfortable sitting/games area
• Two cookers, a microwave, a large fridge and sinks
• A dishwasher
Shower block
Located next to the sleeping bothy, the external shower block building contains:
• 2 showers
• 2 toilets
• A shared sink area
BACKPACKERS TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Provisional bookings are confirmed on receipt of a 40% deposit. We strongly recommend that you take out holiday cancellation insurance, as the deposit is non-refundable. Bookings will remain firm provided the deposit is received within 5 days. The balance due must be received twelve weeks prior to the period booked and is non-refundable. A reminder will be sent prior to this date. Bookings cancelled after this time will be charged full rental. Any changes to bookings prior to full payment may incur a £100 administration charge. Payment should be made by debit card or credit card or by electronic bank transfer (BACS). We do not accept cheques as a method of payment. Colonsay Holidays reserves the right to amend confirmed bookings with respect to accommodation and you will be notified of any alterations prior to your arrival. If it is not possible to find alternative accommodation you will be notified at the earliest opportunity and refunded in full. Colonsay Holidays expects rooms to be left clean and tidy on departure.
No dogs allowed. No smoking permitted indoors.