| Torridon Hills | |
|---|---|
 The Torridon hills, viewed from the Shieldaig peninsula. | |
| Highest point | |
| Coordinates | 57°32′56″N5°31′12″W / 57.549°N 5.520°W /57.549; -5.520 |
| Geography | |
  Torridon Hills Location in theHighlands of Scotland | |
| Location | Northwest Highlands,Scotland, UK |
| OS grid | NG895565 |
TheTorridon Hills surroundTorridon village in theNorthwest Highlands ofScotland. The name is usually applied to themountains to the north ofGlen Torridon. They are among the most dramatic and spectacular peaks in theBritish Isles and made of some of the oldest rocks in the world. Many are over 3,000 feet (914.4 metres) high, so are consideredMunros.
These are mainly made of a type ofsandstone, known asTorridonian sandstone (seeGeology of Great Britain), which over time has become eroded to produce the unique characteristics of the Torridon Hills. In geology, Torridonian describes a series ofproterozoicarenaceoussedimentary rocks ofPrecambrian age. They are amongst the oldest rocks in Britain, and sit on yet older rocks,Lewisian gneiss. Some of the highest peaks, such asBeinn Eighe are crowned by whiteCambrianquartzite, which gives those peaks a distinctive appearance. Some of the quartzite containsfossilized worm burrows and known aspipe rock. It is circa 500 million years old. The strata are largely horizontal, and have weathered into terraces on the mountains.
Each of the Torridon Hills sits very much apart from one another, and they are often likened tocastles. They have steepterraced sides, and broken summit crests, riven into manypinnacles. There are numerous steepgullies running down the terraced sides from the peaks. The summit ridges provide excellentscrambling, and are popular withhillwalkers andmountaineers. However, like many ridge routes, there are few escape points, so once committed, the scrambler orhillwalker must complete the entire ridge before descent.
There are numerous other mountains outside the immediate area ofLoch Torridon which have the same characteristics, such asAn Teallach nearUllapool.
Although many peaks in the Northwest Highlands exhibit Torridongeology, the Torridon hills are generally considered only to be those in the Torridon Forest to the north of Glen Torridon. Specifically, these are:
Hills between Glen Torridon and Strath Carron share much of the splendour and character of the main hills, although perhaps less of the drama:
The Torridon Hills exhibit some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in theBritish Isles, perhaps surpassed in grandeur only by theCuillins ofSkye.