Blackwater Hostel, Glamping & Campsite

I’m extremely disappointed with the way this hostel has handled my recent booking, and I feel compelled to share my experience. After years of running group trips and working with hostels across the UK, I have never encountered customer service as unprofessional and dismissive as this, without exaggeration. Without warning, the hostel chose to ban me from future bookings over what they described as a “late payment” — a delay of £10 for a single day, caused purely by not having access to the email they sent. Instead of speaking to me directly or attempting to resolve the matter like adults, they simply cut ties and then refused to reply to any communication whatsoever. For comparison, other hostels I work with — such as Kip in the Kirk and Ben Lomond Bunkhouse — don’t chase full payments for months, let alone penalise a minor delay like this. Their approach is professional, understanding, and built on mutual respect. Sadly, this hostel showed none of that. They also mentioned previous bad behaviour and policy breaches. They have never, ever mentioned any of these to me beforehand and when contacted on several times by email to explain themselves they didn't even have the decency to reply. Disgusting. Repeated attempts to discuss the issue were ignored, leaving me with no option but to express my frustration publicly. The complete lack of communication, unwillingness to resolve the situation, and disproportionate reaction to a trivial issue speaks volumes about how they value (or don’t value) their customers. I had hoped this could be sorted quickly and maturely. Instead, I was met with silence. Based on my experience, I cannot recommend this hostel, and I strongly advise others — especially those organising group trips — to consider how they handle simple, everyday issues before booking. If the owner of this establishment is reading this review, I urge you to contact me, but rest assured, you will not convince me or any other sane minded person, of the actions of you or whoever has dealt with this matter... you have my number, call me After reading the response below, I am compelled again to respond, I totally disagreed with everything you've said. You haven't brought anything up before., EVER. Your accusation of trying to bring in people unpaid is completely untrue and if you had the decency to call me I can explain this and everything else easily. I find that grossly offensive. I have never, ever tried to make my way around group bookings... EVER! But seeing as you lack the decency to have a conversation, then your twisted point of view cannot be countered. To say that every time a group of mine has stayed with you, other people have complained is obviously a lie. Possibly if you said on occasion there'd been a complaint fair enough, but again, you or nobody else has ever mentioned anything to me, so again... lies. My emails making demands, please upload so we can see. What attempts to contact me on many occasions... please upload all supporting evidence. The truth is the opposite. You hardly have any competition and act accordingly. If this situation was to change, i'm sure your attitude would too. Why not call me, what are you scared of? The truth? You know, i've just spent a couple of minutes looking at your 1 star reviews, you have alot. Seeing some of your responses has made me feel vindicated, not that I need to be. You are vindictive and unprofessional. On the other hand, my business that you so felt you had to name (hmmmmm?) has only 5 star reviews. Again pick up the phone and justify to me your actions... I have plenty to say to you oh anonymous one

This has been our favorite town so far on the west highland way. These cute little camping pods were perfect for what we needed. You can walk into town and grab food/provisions. And the lady working reception was just delightful.

Very friendly staff from check in to check out. Rooms were very comfortable and clean with plenty of space. Communional space and everyone we met there were very nice. Close to the little supermarket and a couple pubs! Would definitely stay again!