Tiered-wall mountains with ramparts high are the hallmark of Torridon a district more beauteous than any other in Scotland. Such is the importance to our national heritage that in 1951 Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve, the first in Britain was formed. Here also are some of the last remnants of the old Caledonian Forest which once spread across the greater part of the Highlands . In 1967 the adjoining Torridon Estate was gifted to the National Trust for Scotland.

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Loch Coulin and Beinn Eighe

Glacial erosion has played an important part in the creation of the landscape, carving out the corries and the u-shaped glens. The greater bulk of the mountains is Torridonian Sandstone capped with quartzite which has weathered to create mountains of a distinct and individual character. The most westerly,Beinn Alligan, is best viewed from the southern shores of Loch Torridon, or along the path of Coire Mhic Nobuil. It bears the scar of a great gash which cleaves the summit's buttressing wall. The approach to Glen Torridon from Kinlochewe provides one of the most spectacular views that Torridon has to offer. Liathach's, presence is awesome for it overwhelms the senses as it suddenly appears to fill the skyline ahead, climbing vertically from the floor of the glen and boasts three Munro's. Beinn Eighe is of sandstone bedrock capped by a mass of quartzite which has weathered to create the characteristic white screes; this loose covering gives the impression that the mountain is snowcapped. This is seen to best effect from the shores of Loch Clair, whose clear waters also provide the perfect foil to the magnificence of Liathach. Slioch is an outlying peak moated by the isle-dotted Loch Maree. Its grandeur and fortress-like crags can be best seen from points along the Gairloch road and on leaving Kinlochewe toward Torridon . Magnificent sunsets can be viewed from almost anywhere in the area ,the most spectacular of these are from Diabaig looking out to the Minch and Outer Isles and on the road from Achnasheen to Kinlochewe in Glen Docherty looking over the spectacular Loch Maree. It is the magnificence of the mountains and lochs that provides inspiration for artists and photographers and makes Torridon so special.

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Kinlochewe and Loch Maree

It is difficult to imagine that the shores of Loch Maree were once a centre for iron-smelting and that this area might claim to have been the birthplace of Scotland's iron and steel industry. The denuded landscape owes much to these enterprises which required vast quantities of wood to produce the charcoal used in the smelting process. The small areas of woodland are therefore the last remains of the great forests of Oak and Caledonian Pine which once cloaked the hills hereabouts.

There is something for everyone in this area , a wealth of walking and climbing routes for all abilities. Wildlife abounds in the form of Golden Eagle ,Sea Eagle, Pine Marten, Wildcat, Otter and an abundance of flora and fauna, an Ornithologist and Naturalist's paradise. An area where Eagles fly free, the spectacle of an Eagle soaring freely symbolises the freedom we have to roam this stunning landscape where we can be privy to true nature in its wild state.

How do we get here;

By Air: Regular flights to Inverness from various locations UK and Europe.

By Rail:  Achnasheen to Main line station in Inverness to rail network.

By Road: A9 Trunk road North to Inverness.

Inverness-Kinlochewe, please see map below.

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