About Us
Newtonmore Hostel is owned and operated by Ali & Adrian Ogden. After a decade running the hostel with them friends and now former business partners, Sue & Neil, have retired. They still live in the village and sometimes help out with the hostel.
Sue & Ali met on the TGO Challenge in 2006 and a few years and a lot of backpacking trips later the idea of a joint venture was hatched and "Mrs Os’ Hostel" became a reality. Both have walked from Land's End to John O'Groats - Ali in 1990 and Sue in 2010 - in addition to numerous long-distance paths and many Munros, Corbetts and Grahams. They remain heavily involved with the TGO Challenge. Having become route vetters for the Event in 2012 they took over as coordinators in 2014. One of them participates every May whilst the other runs Challenge Control and helps with the hostel when Challengers pass through. We usually offer hot drinks and homemade cakes in support of Cairngorm Mountain Rescue during the Challenge. Backpacking and wild camping remain a passion for us.
​
Ali & Adrian, other than occasional holidays, live in the house opposite the hostel whenever guests are present.
Ali still hopes the move to Newtonmore will allow her to complete her Munro round but working at the hostel and on TGO Challenge is slowing down progress! She also loves the glens and smaller hills and the little Graham Creagh Dhubh that sits above Newtonmore was one of her and Adrian's favourite hills long before the hostel plans. She loves to backpack and her idea of the perfect night out is a high camp on a remote Scottish hill in her one-man tent.
Adrian is also a keen hill walker but prefers a comfy bed at the end of the day and the chance to "rehydrate" in the pub. He loves wildlife and enjoys a lazy afternoon birdwatching or a more strenuous one playing tennis.
​
Ali & Adrian also have retirement in mind so the hostel and Craigellachie House are currently on the market waiting for a buyer who will hopefully keep the hostel tradition alive.
​