Summer is in full bloom here in the North West Highlands. Long
days to explore the area before relaxing whilst watching the west
coast sunset reflecting on the unique Torridonian mountains. There
is something for everyone at Torridon Hostel.
On the wildlife front you may also be lucky to see the
Golden Eagles, which nest locally, soaring over the hostel. The shy
Pine Marten regularly visits the village and has recently made
serveral visits to the hostel window ledge for a jam and bread
treat. If you choose to take an evening stroll to the National
Trust for Scotlands wildlife hide, you might get a glimpse of one
of the otters which live around the head of the loch. With calmer
Summer seas its also a great time to head out to sea and spot
whales and dolphins. Hebridean whale
cruises of Gairloch are highy recommended by hostel
staff.
Torridon
Hostel is ideally situated on the west coast, above the Isle of
Skye and below the hustle and bustle of Ullapool, it’s a great
place to get away from it all. People normally visit Torridon to
walk the spectacular mountains like Liathach or
Beinn Eighe but there's lots more on offer. After
a tough day on the hill a great alternative to walking is to visit
the nearby Applecross Peninsula. Applecross is well situated from
Torridon for day trippers and cycle or motor tourists alike. Or
perhaps as part of a journey along the west coast.
It’s just
a short journey from Torridon over the 2053ft high road called the
Bealach na Ba. Mountains the easy way!
The panoramic views from the top include the Outer Hebrides and the
Torridon & Kintail mountains.
On the
west of the peninsula are the excellent Applecross Inn &
Potting Shed Café. Set amongst this isolated community they are the
perfect places to unwind whilst the kids roam on the nearby sandy
beaches, which many people have seen on the recent BBC TV
programme ‘Monty Hall's Great Escape’. Our knowledgeable
hostel staff can point out the exact location on the map before you
set off for the day to share Monty's dream.
Perhaps there’s time to visit the Kishorn sea food bar on the
way back before retiring to the comfort of Torridon Hostel's
panoramic lounges.
Manager's tip – The wee(ish) hill of
Beinn a’Chlachain (626m) stands north east of Applecross
Bay and offers a great half day walk. The ascent is over early in
the day and then it’s a walk amongst isolated lochans down the
ridge with fine views towards the islands of Raasay, Rona &
Skye.
Links:
Article by Mat - Torridon Hostel
Manager