What to do in and around Torridon

Walking, rambling or chilling
Torridon is an area of mountain and sea. There is plenty for everyone right here on the doorstep that involves nothing more than a pair of stout shoes and an active imagination. For many, the comfort of doing nothing more than sitting and soaking up the atmosphere is all the holiday they need. For the more adventurous Torridon boasts some of the most dramatic and beautiful of Scotland's mountains, corries and lochs. Your efforts to reach the more remote areas may be rewarded by encounters with red deer, mountain hare, ptarmigan, ravens or even a tantalising glimpse of a golden eagle. From our shores you are likely to see otters, seals or even porpoises and dolphins. For those seeking a better knowledge of the geology and nature of the place there are two local information centres. More...

Touring
Torridon also makes an excellent base for those who would like to explore further afield and touring is a popular activity. This will inevitably take you south to Applecross, Lochcarron, Plockton, Kyle of Lochalsh, Dornie, and Glenelg. To the north lies Gairloch, Inverewe, Aultbea, Dundonnell and Ullapool. There are castles, ancient brochs, gardens, beaches, and local crafts to sample along the way.

Something for children
We may not have amusement arcades or a great deal in the way of nightlife but that doesn't mean the kids will be bored - far from it! My children will always cherish the holidays they enjoyed here and our grandchildren are now regular visitors. Kids (and adults) can spend many happy hours beachcombing, with "crabbing" a great favourite. The various "spotter" books are great and the prospect of earning points for finding a butterfish is a great incentive. Craft materials are very useful and painted stones very popular. How about a walk to a beach where sausages can be cooked over an open fire? Skinny dipping in mountain streams may only be for the more hardy but we can all benefit by getting closer to nature!

Boat trips
There are a number of local operators offering boat trips. These are either based at Shieldaig or in Gairloch, a one hour drive to the north. On a calm day why not book onto a wildlife cruise with a good chance of seeing seals, porpoises, dolphins and whales as well as a wide range of seabirds. You could also take a trip on a sailing boat and gain some experience at the helm, or why not go out on a working fishing boat to experience the local fisherman's way of life. For something different visit the historical island of Isle Maree on Loch Maree. More...

Golf
Locally there are 9-hole golf courses at Gairloch and at Lochcarron. Further afield is an 18-hole course at Strathpeffer and a 9-hole course at Ullapool.

Mountain Biking
There are plenty of opportunities for mountain biking in the area, from great single track roads through stunning scenery (and challenging climbs like the Bealach na Ba), to stalkers paths that lead through the heart of some of the wildest landscapes in Britain. Bike hire, as well as coaching sessions and customised guided expeditions are all available from West Coast Biking based in Kinlochewe, or Torridon Outdoors based at the Torridon Resort in Annat.

Sailing, kayaking, canoeing ...
Getting out on the water in small boats gives one a very different perspective. There are a number of piers and jetties in the area with the most comprehensive facilities (including a pontoon) to be found in Shieldaig. However, if you don't have your own equipment and would like to hire, with or without a guide or instructor there are a number of local providers.

Tom and Emily will welcome you to Shieldaig Outdoor Adventures; or contact the crew at Torridon Outdoors.

...and more
Fly fishing, pony trekking, clay pigeon shooting, climbing/abseiling, kayaking, bike hire, archery.
The Torridon Outdoor offers summer and winter activity programmes, together with bike hire (trek and hard tail).
Alternatively, the Ben Damph Estate has boats for hire for loch and sea fishing, and deer stalking and rough shooting by arrangement.
In both cases check the websites for latest information.

Read a poem
What's it like to live here? They Said - a poem by Nicola Taylor.

Pine Marten
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