Published in Scotland Magazine Issue 25 on 17/02/2006.

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A slice of paradise

The Loch Torridon Hotel takes some getting to, but as Dominic Roskrow finds out, it’s worth the effort

The journey from Inverness to Torridon in terms of miles isn’t that far – less than the distance from Aberdeen to Inverness.

But as you make your way west and the roads become increasingly track-like, as you cut through the stunning mountainous terrain, perhaps pulling up just to breathe the air and admire the views, and as you manoeuvre in and out of passing points as the track dwindles away, it seems to take an age to get there.

When you do finally reach the edge of the loch you feel totally immersed in an alien landscape, as far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life as you can get in Britain. And by now you’ve been acclimatised, so when the hotel springs in to view, it’s just not possible to be disappointed.

Mind you, the Australian accent that greets you at the door serves as something of a reality check. There are a a fair few Antipodeans working out here. Surprising? Not according to owner Daniel Rose-Bristow.

“In some ways it makes total sense to have staff from New Zealand or Australia,” he says. “They feel at home with the outdoor environment, and have a love for it, and they understand the remoteness of a place like this.

“A young Briton might feel isolated in a place like this. But Australians and New Zealanders think nothing of travelling considerable distances to find a town with a social life.”

The expansion of Inverness Airport and the influx of North Europeans is helping to open up this region, but it remains one of the most underrated and imp.....

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By Dominic Roskrow

Section : Best of Scotland

Page number : 42