The West Highland Way (WHW) is a long-distance footpath stretching 96 miles from Milngavie (North Glasgow) to Fort William. Crianlarich is at the mid-point of the route, making the hostel a popular place to stay. The hostel is ideal for walkers, being equipped with a drying room and boot room.

Many people stay an extra night here to give themselves a rest-day after the winding ups-and-downs of the Way beside Loch Lomond (the toughest section).

Buses (Citylink) and trains (Scotrail) to and from the village make it possible to use the hostel as a base for doing several stages of the Way (with the added bonus of being able to leave baggage behind), or to miss out sections if time is short. Alternatively, there are two baggage-transfer companies (AMS and Travel-lite) offering baggage transfer to and from the hostel.

Although the way is well way-marked, many people like to have a map of the route. In addition to the maps covering the wider area the way passes through, there are a number of maps available covering only the Way (and a km or so either side), with information on points of interest. These are widely available, including in the local shop.

Various companies (e.g. C-N-Do) use hostel accomodation for guided and catered West-Highland Way holidays.

Directions to the Hostel: There is a junction on the main route, with a sign to Crianlarich - follow the path down to the village. The hostel is 2 minutes from the end of the Way - follow signs to the village centre, go under the railway, down the road and the Youth Hostel is just on the right.