About

Chase The Wild Goose Hostel is a family-owned and managed hostel, located at Banavie, close to the Caledonian Canal, a location with amazing views of Ben Nevis and just a little outside Fort William city centre. The Lochy Bar, Moorings Hotel & Bistro are a short walk away for meals and refreshments after a long day on the hill or touring the Scottish Highlands. Guests may opt for Continental BREAKFAST and free wi-fi is available. Banavie Train Station is just 200 metres away.

Recently refurbished, the Hostel has 38 beds in a mix of PRIVATE 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 bed rooms, providing for the needs of individuals, families, backpackers and small groups. There is a self-catering kitchen (time-allocated) should you want to cook your own meals, but you can also take meals locally. For a small extra charge we offer a Self-Serve Self-Catering Continental Breakfast, and snacks & drinks are available. Being a little out of town we hope to offer a better nights sleep before your energetic day on the hills than perhaps you might receive 'in the city'.

Our GUESTS - The hostel is a popular stop-over for enthusiasts on the 3-peaks challenge, walkers of the Great Glen Way and West Highland Way and caters for visitors to the Mountain Bike challenges nearby, water sports enthusiasts and can even organize a mountain guide to take you up Ben Nevis. Backpackers from around the globe have enjoyed their stay.

BEN NEVIS - To top all this, the area is renowned for having the best views of Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK.

STEAM TRAIN - 'Hogwarts Express'. If you are less energetic, visit Neptunes Staircase or ride the famous Jacobite Steam Train featured in the Harry Potter films, as the 'Hogwarts Express'.

Come and experience this amazing place...! Our testimonials show us to be one of the best hostels near Ben Nevis.

PLEASE NOTE: Payment is required at the time of booking.

If you are travelling on the LATE TRAIN or are unable to arrive when Reception is open (between 17:00 hrs and 22:00 hrs) you MUST phone to pre-arrange your Arrival with staff. A small fee may apply per guest arriving outside Reception hours. For reasons of guest safety and security Arrivals after 22:45 hrs will be STRICTLY denied.

PARKING - Our hostel carpark is small and operates on a first come basis, but there is a public carpark and street parking 50m away.

The lead booker will be required to provide Photo ID matching the name on the booking, to gain access.

Sorry, No Stag or Hen Groups
Check in open 17:00 hrs 22:00 hrs.
Under 18s must have adult supervision.
Children OVER 5 YEARS ONLY are welcome, under supervision.
Non-smoking hostel.
Groups (8+) are welcome
Towel Hire available
Free Locker Use (key deposit required)
Quiet is requested after 22:30 hrs
For Safety & Security, cameras are in use

House Rules

Check In

17:00 - 22:00

Check Out

until 10:00

  • Age Restriction
  • Non Smoking
  • Taxes Included
View House Rules

Facilities

  • Free Parking
  • Free WiFi
  • Free Internet Access
  • Bicycle Parking
  • Luggage Storage
  • Parking
  • Board Games
  • Wi-Fi
View all facilities

Reviews

9.0Superb(1210)
  • Value for Money
    8.9
  • Security
    9.3
  • Atmosphere
    8.4
  • Cleanliness
    9.7
  • Staff
    9.4
  • Location
    8.2
  • Facilities
    9.1
Summary of traveller reviews

Chase The Wild Goose Hostel in Fort William is praised for its exceptionally clean facilities, modern bathrooms, and a well-equipped kitchen. Staff are consistently described as friendly and helpful, making it a great base for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Some guests note the location is a bit out of town, and a few mention issues with bed curtains or power sockets.

Stayed in Jul 2026
9.4
M
Melissa
Mixed Group, 31-40, Philippines
I had a great stay at this hostel. Everything was clean and tidy, and the bedsheets were clean. The location is excellent, especially if you don't have a car. The bus stop is just a short walk from the hostel, making it easy to visit Ben Nevis and even the Glenfinnan Viaduct. The only downside was that someone stole my Crocs from the room during my stay. That was very disappointing and very disrespectful. I hope the hostel can remind guests to respect each other's belongings.
Stayed in Jul 2026
7.7
U
Ulana
Female, 18-24, Canada
Decent hostel overall. If you're travelling solo, it's not the best place to meet people, as it feels more family-oriented/attracts an older crowd, but good for a quick reset. One disappointment was the Wi-Fi, which rarely worked for me. I ended up using data for most of my stay, which wasn't ideal because the phone signal was also poor. In terms of location, there are buses you can take to Fort William. However, they aren't the most reliable during the day, due to traffic. Staff was LOVELY!!
Stayed in Jun 2026
10
L
Lewis
Male, 31-40, England
Really enjoyed my stay, also if you’re on a budget this place is perfect. Relatively close to Ben Nevis and fort William. Would stay again!
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Location

Great Glen Way, Lochiel Crescent, Banavie, Fort William, Scotland
3.6km from city centre