The north and northwest Highlands - The Rough Guide to Scottish Highlands and Islands - page 230

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 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.

Shieldaig
Smuggled of 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.234). The village itself - thirty
or so houses and a shop - straggles along the loch beneath the mountains, making it a
fine launchpad for hikes (see below). 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.

4

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE LOCH TORRIDON

By bus The Dial-A-Bus ( T 01520 722205) between
Strathcarron and Achasheen also calls at Shieldaig and

Torridon (Mon-Sat 1 daily).

ACTIVITIES
Torridon Activities 1 mile south of turn-off into village
T 01445 791242, W thetorridon.com. An operator based
at the Torridon hotel (see p.234) 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.

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.