Loch Torridon, Scotland

Glacial erosion has played an important part in the creation of the landscape, carving out the corries and the u-shaped glens. The greater bulk of the mountains is Torridonian Sandstone capped with quartzite which has weathered to create mountains of a distinct and individual character. The most westerly,Beinn Alligan, is best viewed from the southern shores of Loch Torridon, or along the path of Coire Mhic Nobuil. It bears the scar of a great gash which cleaves the summit's buttressing wall. The approach to Glen Torridon from Kinlochewe provides one of the most spectacular views that Torridon has to offer. Liathach's, presence is awesome for it overwhelms the senses as it suddenly appears to fill the skyline ahead, climbing vertically from the floor of the glen and boasts three Munro's. Beinn Eighe is of sandstone bedrock capped by a mass of quartzite which has weathered to create the characteristic white screes; this loose covering gives the impression that the mountain is snowcapped. This is seen to best effect from the shores of Loch Clair, whose clear waters also provide the perfect foil to the magnificence of Liathach. Slioch is an outlying peak moated by the isle-dotted Loch Maree. Its grandeur and fortress-like crags can be best seen from points along the Gairloch road and on leaving Kinlochewe toward Torridon . Magnificent sunsets can be viewed from almost anywhere in the area ,the most spectacular of these are from Diabaig looking out to the Minch and Outer Isles and on the road from Achnasheen to Kinlochewe in Glen Docherty looking over the spectacular Loch Maree. It is the magnificence of the mountains and lochs that provides inspiration for artists and photographers and makes Torridon so special.

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