Torridon, in north-west Scotland, is one of my favourite places in Scotland. The scenery is breath-taking and there are so many outdoor activities to enjoy. Here I have picked 12 of the best.
1 Sea kayaking
The Torridon coastline forms part of the Scottish Sea Kayak Trail, which runs 500km from Ullapool to the Mull of Kintyre. The clear waters around Loch Torridon and the Applecross peninsula are home to an array of wildlife.
By sea kayak you can visit inlets, sandy beaches and hidden coves.
Keep an eye out for seabirds, seals, porpoise, dolphin and otter, and possibly maybe, just maybe, a whale.
Kayak Sea Kayak Canoeing Wide Paddle Sea Horizon
2 Canoe a loch
A Canadian canoe is a great way to explore one of the beautiful lochs in this area. Britain’s least polluted freshwater lochs, Loch Maree, doubles as a Scottish Natural Nature Reserve.
You can explore the loch’s 60 islands, some of which are covered in the oldest areas of Caledonian Pine Forest. Isle Maree, was believed to be the hermitage of Saint Mael Ruba and is steeped in history as far back as the 8th century.
Loch Maree. Pic credit: Jerry Sharp.
3 Whale watching
Warmed by the gulf stream, the Minch separates the northern Inner Hebrides and the north-west Highlands. The nutrient rich waters, teem with marine life. You might be lucky enough to spot whales, dolphins and sea birds.
Sit back and let someone else take you on a guided sea tour. See Torridon Sea Tours.
4 Coasteering
Another great way to explore the coastline is by coasteering. You’ll wear wetsuits, helmets and buoyancy aids as you scramble over rocks, swim in the sea and jump off cliffs.
5 Gorge scrambling
Various gorges across the region offer a great location for the fun activity of gorge scrambling. Participants wear wetsuits, helmets and buoyancy aids as they climb, scramble, swim and slide through a series of rocks, pools and min waterfalls.
6 Mountain biking
There are many great natural trails for mountain biking in and around the area of Torridon. A few examples, include a ride Kinlochewe to Torridon and on to Shieldaig, visiting Loch Damph or Balgy Falls en route.
Road of the Belaach na Ba
7 Road cycling
The roads are often quiet in the area and any drivers seem happy to let you ride peacefully and without overtaking in a rush. Check out the sweeping roads through Glen Docherty and along Loch Maree.
Another ride that is tough but scenically rewarding heads to the tiny coastal village of Diabaig.
The Holy Grail for cyclists in this region is the infamous Bealach na Ba. The ancient Cattle Pass is UK’s biggest single road climb, and takes you from sea level up to 2053ft in 6sixmiles.
There are two annual sportives, the Bealach beag and the Bealach Mor, that take in the Bealach na Ba.
8 Archery
Torridon Hotel boasts a programme of activities including archery. The ancient sport is great for individuals, families or groups and takes place in a purpose-built range in the beautiful hotel grounds with views of mountains and coast.
9 Walking
There are so many option for walking in the Torridon area form lower-level trails to multiple Munros. See Walk Highlands for ideas.
10 Hike a ridge
A walk I have greatly enjoyed, although it is challenging, is the ridge of Liathach.
Liathach Ridge.
11 Rock climbing
Torridon has some great climbing opportunities on a variety of rock, including ancient Lewisian gneiss, white quartzite and the red Torridonian sandstone.
Rock climbing and scrambling challenges can be found on the Mullach an Rathain ridge of Liathach, the mighty Triple buttress of Beinn Eighe and the Horns of Alligin.
Not so high, but offering a many route lines are the crags of Meall Cean na Creige in Diabaig. This includes the giant slab of rock known as the Diabaig Pillar.
12 Fishing
Torridon boasts some of the best brown trout fishing in Scotland. The estates of Ben Damph, Coulin and Torridon, offer superb loch fishing, which can be booked via their estate offices. They also have salmon fishing.
Venture to the hill lochs around Torridon, to places such as Lochan Sgearaich near Craig or Loch Cabar behind Liathach, for more remote fishing opportunities.
Whatever you choose to do, there are plenty of hotels, including my favourite The Torridon, as well as campsites, wild camping spots and places to campervan overnight.
