Torridon

Torridon is a region and small coastal village in the Northwest Highlands of Scotland, located in Wester Ross along the shore of Loch Torridon. It lies within the Highland council area and forms part of the historic county of Ross and Cromarty. The area is renowned for its rugged scenery and distinctive geology, which has given rise to the term Torridonian sandstone.

The landscape is dominated by rounded and jagged hills formed by the Torridonian sandstone, a Neoproterozoic sedimentary sequence that underlies many of the region’s cliffs and ridges. This geology supports the dramatic mountains that define the area, including the Beinn Eighe massif and the Liathach range. Beinn Eighe, together with its ancient pinewood and alpine habitats, is designated as a National Nature Reserve.

Torridon’s settlements include the village of Torridon itself and nearby communities such as Shieldaig and Diabaig. The A896 road connects these settlements with the wider Wester Ross region. Tourism, outdoor recreation and crofting are important parts of the local economy; visitors come for hillwalking, rock climbing, wildlife watching, and boating on lochs and coastal waters.

Ecology and conservation are prominent features: the area supports species such as red deer, golden eagles and seabirds, with protected habitats in Beinn Eighe NNR and surrounding landscapes. Gaelic heritage remains evident in place names and local culture.