Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WALKS AROUND TORRIDON
Ordnance Survey Explorer map 433
The Torridon area offers a wealth of fantastic walks . If you're relatively inexperienced but want
to do the magnificent ridge walk along the Liathach (pronounced “lee-ach”) massif, or the
strenuous traverse of Beinn Eighe (pronounced “ben ay”), you can join a National Trust Ranger
Service guided hike (July & Aug weekdays via Torridon Countryside Centre; T 01445 791221).
For those confident to go it alone, one of many possible routes takes you behind Liathach
and down the pass, Coire Dubh , to the main road in Glen Torridon. This covers thirteen miles
and takes in superb landscapes: weather permitting, you can make the rewarding diversion up
to the Coire Mhic Fhearchair , widely regarded as the most spectacular corrie in Scotland.
Allow the whole day.
Even in rough weather, the seven-mile hike up the coast from Lower Diabaig , ten miles
northwest of Torridon village, to Redpoint is a rewarding one, and on a clear day the views
across to Raasay and Applecross are wonderful. For any of these walks, ensure you are properly
equipped with waterproofs, warm clothing, provisions and a map.
T 01520 744440. Head here to enjoy delicious food in the
laidback atmosphere of a walled Victorian garden. It's fairly
inexpensive as a daytime café, but pricier in the evening,
when dishes like chicken-and-thyme casserole, local
lobster and local crab in a herb pancake cost around £8-16.
March-Oct daily 11am-8.30pm.
Loch Torridon
Loch Torridon marks the northern boundary of the Applecross peninsula and a
transition into some awe-inspiring scenery. From the water rise the mountains of
Liathach and Beinn Eighe , shapely hulks of reddish 750-million-year-old Torridonian
sandstone tipped with white quartzite. Around fifteen thousand acres of the massif are
under the protection of the National Trust for Scotland, which makes this superb
walking country, with a trio of Munros to bag.
12
Shieldaig
Smuggled off the main road on the shore of Loch Torridon, pretty SHIELDAIG (“herring
bay”) is a gentle spot - until the Shieldaig Fete livens things up with some wacky boat
races over the first weekend in August. A track winding north up the peninsula from
the village makes for an enjoyable stroll. Otherwise, simply enjoy the view to Shieldaig
Island , managed by the National Trust.
Torridon
TORRIDON village, at the east end of the loch, marks where the road heads inland
through spectacular Glen Torridon to Kinlochewe (see p.454). he village itself - thirty
or so houses and a shop - straggles along the loch beneath the mountains, making it a
fine launch pad for hikes (see box above). A Countryside Centre (Easter-Sept Sun-Fri
10am-5pm; £3.50 donation requested; T 0844 493 2229, W nts.org.uk/Property/
Torridon) at the turning into the village provides advice on mountain walks plus
information on geology, flora and fauna.
ARRIVAL, DEPARTURE AND ACTIVITIES
LOCH TORRIDON
By bus The Dial-A-Bus ( T 01520 722205) between
Strathcarron and Achnasheen calls at Shieldaig and
Torridon (Mon-Sat 1 daily).
Torridon Activities 1 mile south of turn-off into
village T 01445 791242, W thetorridon.com. An
operator based at the Torridon hotel (see below)
provides the full range of local fun: guided walks, gorge
scrambling and climbing, plus kayaking and even clay-
pigeon shooting.
Torridon Sea Tours Shieldaig T 01520/755353,
W torridonseatours.com. Luxury boat tours reveal the
superb scenery and wildlife in the area: half-day loch trips,
full-day journeys to Isle of Rona or Skye, plus a sunset trip
with wine and nibbles.
 
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