Amazing Destinations Winter 2021/2022

Highlands Adventure
T
he Torridon is set on 58 acres of private parkland in one of the most scenic parts of Scotland. Located on the
banks of Loch Torridon, the property overlooks an iconic Scottish Highlands landscape: towering mountains,
glittering lochs, and miles upon miles of fields and forests.
The lounge and bar areas are lovely places to unwind, read your
book, play a board game – there is even a carefully positioned
telescope for guests to use by one of the windows. Look out
for the astronomy ceiling in honour of Queen Victoria in the
lounge – the Torridon was once the home of Ada Lovelace (Lord
Byron’s daughter) and her husband. But as nice as the hotel and
its neighbouring inn are, the real reason to visit this area is for the
sublime scenery. You may choose to just stroll the acres of grounds
for ever-changing views of the loch and mountains, or perhaps
you’d like to venture further afield to the beautiful loch of Diabaig
or the wild peninsula of Applecross. Alternatively, join in one of
the activities offered to guests of the hotel. We enjoyed a great
afternoon of clay pigeon shooting with the hotel’s Highland’s cows
watching in amusement. Throughout our stay, the service was
excellent. The majority of those working at The Torridon also live
in, resulting in a community of togetherness that translates to the
guests.
Rooms
Rooms are pleasingly comfortable, with huge comfy beds,
Nespresso machines and Tunnock’s Teacakes, Sky TV and
decent wi-fi considering the remote location. Our room had a
fabulous view overlooking the loch and a huge bathroom with
freestanding bath, a much welcome feature after the 14-mile
long ‘Falls of Balgy’ hike we went on.
Food
On our first night, we dined in the splendour of the 3 AA
Rosette 1887 fine-dining restaurant where the décor is suitably
refined. The five-course, set menu was delicious and head
chef Paul Green wows with the best local produce. On the
second evening, crowd-pleasing dishes were the order of
the day at the hotel’s casual eatery, Bo & Muc restaurant.
Neighbouring Beinn Bar serves local ales and Scottish gins,
including The Torridon’s own gin, Arcturus. After dinner, be
sure to check out the Whisky Bar. It’s a cosy, welcoming room
with over 350 whiskies and a fair few gins too. Bar staff are
very knowledgeable and can guide you through the whiskies to
find the perfect dram for you.•
THE TORRIDON
“ ”
Our verdict
For all the wonderful food and activities, It’s The Torridon’s
setting that sticks in the mind. Those staggering hills and
dramatic skies, it all gets under your skin and is the star
attraction.
Page 97
Winter 2021.indd 97 09/11/2021 15:23:59