The drive through the Torridon Hills on the way to Gairloch is absolutely mesmerising.
Some of the oldest mountains in Britain, their steep sandstone flanks rise almost straight from the glen floor, and even from the road the scale of them is humbling.
Location & Getting There
The Torridon range spreads between Loch Torridon and Glen Torridon in Wester Ross, threaded by the A896. The giants here — Liathach, Beinn Eighe and Beinn Alligin — are built from Torridonian sandstone laid down hundreds of millions of years ago, some capped with white quartzite. You drive right through the heart of it between Shieldaig and Kinlochewe.
What to See & Do
Even without lacing up boots, the glen road is one of the most jaw-dropping stretches on the NC500 — pull into the laybys and simply look up. Walkers can tackle the Beinn Eighe mountain trail or the gentler woodland and lochside paths around the National Trust for Scotland countryside centre near Torridon village. Red deer are common, and golden eagles patrol the ridges.
Best Time & Tips
- Stop at the roadside viewpoints in Glen Torridon for the full scale
- Serious hill walkers should carry proper kit — these are big, committing mountains
- The Beinn Eighe nature reserve has waymarked lower trails for everyone
- Clear, low-sun mornings light the sandstone beautifully
Where It Fits on the Route
The Torridon Hills form the scenic climax between Shieldaig and Gairloch, the point where many travellers realise just how wild the western NC500 gets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Torridon Hills worth visiting on the NC500?
Absolutely. The drive through Glen Torridon is one of the scenic high points of the whole route, and the mountains are among the oldest and most striking in Britain.
Can you hike in Torridon without mountaineering experience?
Yes. Alongside the serious Munros there are gentler waymarked trails around the Beinn Eighe reserve and Torridon village suitable for casual walkers.
