Local Area

The very name of Torridon is a clarion call, a mecca for hillwalkers throughout Scotland. You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who challenges the view that Torridon contains some of Scotland’s most magnificent mountains in a setting that inspires awe and wonder. Torridon’s mountains are no shrinking violets. These magnificent sandstone hills are huge, brooding monoliths whose pinnacled crests give memorable expeditions and there are few other places where Munros dip their toes into the sea. A first trip along the single track road through impressive, bare Glen Torridon, the “oldest glen, the floor of the world” is an unforgettable experience. The glen runs between the Torridon peaks from Kinlochewe down to the coast. Here the landscape changes completely as the great fjord of Loch Torridon is bordered by pinewoods and beautiful vistas. Torridon appears to be one of those idyllic places set apart from the world – hills on three sides clothed in woodlands and a legacy of majestic conifers from Victorian predecessors. The Torridon landscape was Tolkein's inspiration for "Middle Earth" in Lord of The Rings. Picturesque Shieldaig and Diabeg are quiet refuges with great coastal walks. And there’s the beauty of Loch Maree, probably the most picturesque of all Scotland's freshwater lochs.

Shieldaig is home to our resident pair of Whitetailed Sea Eagles which have successfully bred for the second year. Golden Eagles soar above Beinn Damph and are regularly seen on the Estate. The beautiful Coulin Estate in Glen Torridon boasts many rare species of Dragon Fly. Otters are a regular sight and dolphins, too.

South of Torridon are Applecross and Lochcarron, with mountains that yield nothing in ruggedness to their more famous counterparts, as well as attractive fishing villages and forest walks. Applecross is accessed by the famous Bealach na Bà, the Pass of the Cattle, the greatest ascent of any road climb in the UK, rising from sea level to over 2000 ft in 6 miles. The road is one of the few in the Scottish Highlands that is engineered similarly to roads through the great mountain passes in the Alps. Historically used as a drovers’ road, the Bealach now is a mecca for driving enthusiasts. Whilst there be sure to call in at The Applecross Inn or the Potting Shed in Applecross House's walled garden, both offering excellent food and featured in BBC 2's Monty Hall's Great Escape.

To the north is Gairloch, an area that has long been famous for its many fine sandy beaches, many of them still unfrequented. Inland is a vast area of little-visited, rocky peaks known to walkers as 'The Great Wilderness”. The expanse of the North West Highlands will bring you complete freedom and tranquillity in this most sparsely populated corner of Europe.

The Skye Bridge is under an hour's drive from Torridon. You could take a day trip to the island and lunch at the fabulous Three Chimneys, pics of whose food is featured on our fabby food page, or the Michelin-starred Kinloch Lodge.

Eilean Donan castle, probably Scotland's most photographed, is also under an hour's drive at Dornie. As one of the most iconic images of Scotland, Eilean Donan is recognised all around the world. Situated on an island at the point where three great sea lochs meet, and surrounded by some majestic scenery, it is little wonder that the castle is now one of the most visited and important attractions in the Scottish highlands.

Try these great local links too:

Torridon and Shieldaig

Celtic Fringe

Visit Torridon

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