EXPERIENCE THE HIGHLANDS
The west highlands of Scotland are renowned for their rugged beauty, remoteness and history. The Torridon area is one of the most beautiful and wild areas of Scotland and has much to offer the visitor whether it’s your first time in the area, or you are returning year on year. For the adventure-minded, the area abounds in walks with no less than nine Munros (mountains over 3000ft in height) of varying degrees of accessibility within striking distance. Beinn Alligin (Jewelled Mountain), Beinn Eighe (Ice Mountain) and the mighty Liathach (The Grey One) are the most accessible, each with two Munros, although they are not for the faint hearted or unprepared. Numerous more gentle walks are available in the area, from coastal strolls to half or full day hikes through the glens. Details of walks in the area can be found at walkhighlands.com.
Kayaking and other adventures are available on the loch and surrounds, we recommend contacting Shieldaig Outdoor Adventures for more information.
Shieldaig
FURTHER AFIELD
The Torridon and Applecross area have much to offer within an hour’s drive. The coast road to Applecross is incredibly scenic with several sandy beaches tucked away in coves and inlets en route. The views across to Raasay and Skye are not to be missed.
The Applecross Inn is a great seafood pub and is very popular in the high season. The infamous Bealach na Ba (Pass of the Cattle) takes you from Applecross and down the mountain towards Lochcarron and is the largest single height gain (or loss!) of any road in Britain.
Diabaig on the opposite side of the loch is a fine day out especially if you include lunch or dinner at Gille Brighde restaurant. Plockton, to the south, is also within easy driving distance. To the north is Loch Maree, one of the largest freshwater lochs in Scotland and home to the once famous sea trout fishery, although catches are now sadly well down on historical averages.
A bit further on from Plockton is the magnificent Eilean Donan Castle, and the Isle of Skye itself, home to yet more rugged mountain terrain, fabulous coastline, and Michelin starred restaurants.
Bealach na Ba
The local village of Shieldaig is one of the most delightful in the Highlands. Established to train sailors for the Napoleonic wars, it later became a fishing village and latterly has found itself on the popular NC500 tourist trail. Nevertheless, the village has retained its charm and character and rivals other popular Highland locations despite being less well known.
WILDLIFE AND FLORA
Birdwatcher or wildlife photographer, you will not be disappointed at the abundance of wildlife in the area. Red deer, including some mighty stags, the monarchs of the glens, are frequently seen. Pine martens and red squirrels inhabit forested areas, whilst mountain hares can be found by the very keen high up in the hills. The rare white-tailed eagles who nest locally on Shieldaig island are frequently seen in the area. Ptarmigan can be spied among the rocks on high mountain walks and many other species can be found along the coast and woodlands.
The loch supports a rich ecosystem of sea life including seals, dolphins and otters which can be seen from the house. Seals can be found basking on the skerries at low tide or playing in the shallows in the bay in front of the house.
Whilst not wildlife per se, a popular attraction are the Highland cows or ‘coos’ of The Torridon and those that roam freely along the coast road to Applecross.
The varied terrain of the Torridon Highlands supports remnants of ancient caledonian pine forests, wild flowers and vast reaches of flowering heather. For the keen forager, an abundance of seasonal wild foods can be found if you know where to look.
Red deer stag
Seals on the rocks in front of the house
Raasay and Skye
Coo
Alternatively, just stay in…