North Coast 500

Torridon is a highlight on the Wester Ross section of the renowned North Coast 500 tour of Scotland’s northern regions. But instead of treating this stunning area as a whistlestop drive-through experience, why not use it as a base to explore more of what’s on offer. There’s something for everyone, whether it’s hiking through wilderness scenery, the thrills of the Bealach na Ba, the UK’s most steeply ascending road, or fine dining by the loch.

Outdoor activities

Leac a Ghradain is wonderfully situated for walks ranging from gentle coastal strolls to hikes up the formidable crags of some of the most famous Munros. Beinn Alligin, Liathach, Beinn Eighe and Slioch are just a few of the glorious peaks within easy reach. Route planning details are available in excellent guide books on sale locally and at Walk Highlands. Some paths are suitable for mountain bikes.

Garden lovers can visit the world famous Inverewe Gardens and the peaceful Attadale Gardens and marvel at the plants that thrive at these latitudes thanks to the Gulf Stream.

A number of local firms offer organised and guided adventures, including Torridon Activities, Torridon Sailing Tours and Shieldaig Outdoor Adventures. Additional activites are listed on the Visit Torridon website. Book ahead if you are coming in the busier months.

Bird watching and wildlife

More than 50 species of birds have been recorded from the house and garden. The Torridon area is also home to a wide array of plant and animal life, including deer, newly reintroduced red squirrels, eagles, pine martens and otters. There is a National Trust of Scotland countryside centre at the turn-off for Torridon (open April - September) and the Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve has wildlife trails and visitor information (open March to October).

Photography

The area offers unlimited potential for photography enthusiasts, from mountain vistas and seascapes to exquisite wild flowers. For inspiration and to buy prints, check out Steve Carter and the Applecross Photographic Gallery, with the latter also offering workshops and courses.

Loch Torridon Community Centre

A wealth of visitor information and friendly advice is available at the local Community Centre in Torridon village and on its website’s Visitor page. The Centre also showcases and sells paintings, prints and arts & crafts produced by many of the talented individuals living in this area of the west coast. The (usually) fortnightly Thursday market (10am to 3pm) is held here from April to October with craft and food stalls as well as a café.

Restaurants

There are numerous opportunities to eat out in Torridon and the surrounding villages, with restaurants and cafes serving wonderful local produce from the land and the sea. In Torridon village, Torridon Stores and Café is a charming stopover for lunch or a snack and to top up on provisions. In the other direction from the house is the popular Gille Brighde  restaurant in Lower Diabaig, also reachable on foot in around three hours along the coastal path (take a map and check the restaurant is open before you set off).

The luxury Torridon Resort has gourmet dining in the 1887 restaurant, afternoon tea at the Hotel, and pub meals at the less formal Torridon Inn.

In Shieldaig you will find Nanny's Café, the Bar and Coastal Kitchen and the Tigh an Eilean hotel restaurant. Travel further along the road to Lochcarron and at the turnoff to the Bealach na Ba is the Bealach Café and Gallery, with tasty snacks and an extensive exhibition of arts and crafts for sale by local artists. The Kishorn Seafood Bar is a few miles further down the road, while in Lochcarron there are a number of options including the Lochcarron Bistro.

If you make for Applecross, either over the pass or along the gentler coastal road, there is the famous Applecross Inn by the quayside (with a takeaway Inn-Side Out van offering fish and chips in the warmer months). On the edge of the village is Applecross Walled Garden’s Potting Shed Café and Restaurant.

And at the top of Torridon glen at the Kinlochewe Hotel there is a lovely welcoming bar with very good food and a fine collection of whiskies. And nearby is the Gorse Bush restaurant, also serving nice snacks and more substantial meals.

*** Please note that most outlets operate seasonal opening hours so it’s always worth checking the website or phoning before making a special journey. ***