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Torridon photo exhibition

Our exhibition of Torridon photographs was on display in the concert-hall foyer of the School of Music at Leeds University in May, and The Bull Inn, West Tanfield (Wensleydale) in August 2014. Here are digital versions of the pictures.

The order, and accompanying text, is the same as in the Leeds exhibition booklet. [Approx 13 MBytes]. (The West Tanfield text and order was different as there was only room for about half the pictures there).

You might like also to look at the introduction and acknowledgements and a note on the rocks of Torridon (with links to maps). To see a photo, please click on one of the small images below: you can then use the arrow keys to go to the next or previous photo.

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(1) We start with some morning light on Loch Torridon itself. This is the view from the north shore, towards Beinn Damh and Beinn na h-Eaglaise, on a perfect July day.
(1) We start with some morning light on Loch Torridon itself. This is the view from the north shore, towards Beinn Damh and Beinn na h-Eaglaise, on a perfect July day.
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(2) Later on the same day: the head of upper Loch Torridon, from the summit of Sgorr a' Chadail - the west end of the Liathach ridge.
(2) Later on the same day: the head of upper Loch Torridon, from the summit of Sgorr a' Chadail - the west end of the Liathach ridge.
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(3) A very different reflection, in December: Beinn Alligin (Tom na Gruagaich and Sgurr Mor - the Horns are hidden behind Sgorr a' Chadail), seen from Annat, the southern corner of the head of Loch Torridon, not long after sunrise.
(3) A very different reflection, in December: Beinn Alligin (Tom na Gruagaich and Sgurr Mor - the Horns are hidden behind Sgorr a' Chadail), seen from Annat, the southern corner of the head of Loch Torridon, not long after sunrise.
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(4) A typical Torridon hill is mainly Torridonian sandstone - a rich brown with hints of red and purple, well layered, and very hard. Most of the highest hills are topped by light-coloured quartzite. The two types of rock are well contrasted here, looking north from the top of Mullach an Rathain, Liathach's western summit, to Beinn Dearg and Beinn Alligin. July.
(4) A typical Torridon hill is mainly Torridonian sandstone - a rich brown with hints of red and purple, well layered, and very hard. Most of the highest hills are topped by light-coloured quartzite. The two types of rock are well contrasted here, looking north from the top of Mullach an Rathain, Liathach's western summit, to Beinn Dearg and Beinn Alligin. July.
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(5) The graceful curves of Beinn Eighe's quartzite ridge, seen from Loch Clair in June. Close to, though, the top is a similar jumble of sharp-edged rocks to the previous photo!
(5) The graceful curves of Beinn Eighe's quartzite ridge, seen from Loch Clair in June. Close to, though, the top is a similar jumble of sharp-edged rocks to the previous photo!
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(6a) Lichen on a stone, approaching the bealach between Fuar Tholl and Sgorr Ruadh from Achnashellach.
(6b) A mosaic of colours in moss - mainly sphagnum. Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve, near Loch Maree.
(6c) Very different moss colours, this time high on Sgorr Ruadh.
(6d) Sphagnum colours at their strongest: these colours in the moss are common but often small or hidden. Here, though, near Loch na Tri-eileanan (Loch of Three Islands), high above Alligin, it could be seen on a larger scale and in a great array of shades.
(6e) Red and pink moss on en masse, now right by the three-islands loch - not to be confused with the three-islands loch east of the Diabaig road! Both have historical associations. On the shore of the western one you can still see the abode of the "old woman on the edge of existence".
(6f) Another lichen-covered stone, this one just downstream of the Talladale Falls. A natural county map, perhaps?
(6) The first of the "group photos": mosses and lichens from various parts of Torridon. These small, often overlooked, plants are ubiquitous and can collectively form striking patterns, and much colour, throughout the year.
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(7) A bright April day on the south side of Liathach. Viewed from the road along the head of the Loch, near the Fasag junction.
(7) A bright April day on the south side of Liathach. Viewed from the road along the head of the Loch, near the Fasag junction.
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(8) The Narrows - as the border between Upper Loch Torridon and Loch Shieldaig is known - with Eilean a' Chaoil, seen from the Leacan Bàna on the north side: September evening.
(8) The Narrows - as the border between Upper Loch Torridon and Loch Shieldaig is known - with Eilean a' Chaoil, seen from the Leacan Bàna on the north side: September evening.
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(9) Just a few minutes later, looking in the opposite direction, towards Beinn Alligin. Skeins of geese - probably greylags, can be seen top right, flying east.
(9) Just a few minutes later, looking in the opposite direction, towards Beinn Alligin. Skeins of geese - probably greylags, can be seen top right, flying east.
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(10) Beinn Liath Mhòr viewed across Coire Làir from Sgorr Ruadh: these two hills in the Coulin Forest form a prominent backdrop to the head of Loch Torridon. (This can be seen in photo (21a) and particularly in photo (26)).
(10) Beinn Liath Mhòr viewed across Coire Làir from Sgorr Ruadh: these two hills in the Coulin Forest form a prominent backdrop to the head of Loch Torridon. (This can be seen in photo (21a) and particularly in photo (26)).
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(11) The panorama to the west of the bealach (saddle) between Fuar Tholl and Sgorr Ruadh: Maol Chean-dearg, which we'll meet later on, is right-hand of the two prominent hills in the middle, with Loch Coire Fionnaraich just below and to its right.
(11) The panorama to the west of the bealach (saddle) between Fuar Tholl and Sgorr Ruadh: Maol Chean-dearg, which we'll meet later on, is right-hand of the two prominent hills in the middle, with Loch Coire Fionnaraich just below and to its right.
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(12) Fuar Tholl, from Sgorr Ruadh. September.
(12) Fuar Tholl, from Sgorr Ruadh. September.
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(13) Beinn Damh with a brief spell of sunshine between squalls, seen from the north shore of the Upper Loch. December.
(13) Beinn Damh with a brief spell of sunshine between squalls, seen from the north shore of the Upper Loch. December.
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(14) Stream flowing over quartzite rock, on the steep western slopes between Beinn Liath Mhòr and Sgorr nan Lochan Uaine: here the quartzite has a pinker hue. Quartzite seems to give extra clarity to the water.
(14) Stream flowing over quartzite rock, on the steep western slopes between Beinn Liath Mhòr and Sgorr nan Lochan Uaine: here the quartzite has a pinker hue. Quartzite seems to give extra clarity to the water.
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(15) Fleeting brightness at the head of Loch Torridon, looking towards Ben Shieldaig. So fleeting that this was snapped from inside the cafe window, sensing that it wouldn't last! At the time, we didn't see the two children just visible on the bottom right - they don't seem worried by the approaching rain.
(15) Fleeting brightness at the head of Loch Torridon, looking towards Ben Shieldaig. So fleeting that this was snapped from inside the cafe window, sensing that it wouldn't last! At the time, we didn't see the two children just visible on the bottom right - they don't seem worried by the approaching rain.
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(16) Looking towards Ben Shieldaig (left), and The Narrows (right), from the road between Coire Mhic Nòbaill and Alligin: another bright spell between two very wet ones. September.
(16) Looking towards Ben Shieldaig (left), and The Narrows (right), from the road between Coire Mhic Nòbaill and Alligin: another bright spell between two very wet ones. September.
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(17a) Coastal outlines: firstly, the archetypal gneiss scenery round Loch Diabaig, viewed from Outer Loch Torridon.
(17b) The shaft of light here is between Beinn Damh (left) and Ben Shieldaig (right), viewed from the Leacan Bàna: looking a bit more eastwards than photo 8.
(17c) The distinctive outline of Beinn Alligin (left), Beinn Dearg (centre), and the west half of Liathach (right), from near Balgy on the south side of the loch.
(17) Three contrasting coastal outlines round Loch Torridon.
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(18) Bays off the Dubh-Àird, near Annat on the south shore of the Upper Loch, looking west. April.
(18) Bays off the Dubh-Àird, near Annat on the south shore of the Upper Loch, looking west. April.
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(19) Shieling sites are common round Torridon. Many are not marked on any public maps, but Murdoch MacDonald's writing leads to some fine ones, and we have stumbled across some others. These remains of tiny drystone dwellings and fertile ground high in the valleys were used for summer pasturing until the middle of the 19th Century, when the Clearances forced their abandonment. This one is on the Abhainn Thràil, near the mouth of the Allt Beithe, on the way to Lochan Neimhe. June.
(19) Shieling sites are common round Torridon. Many are not marked on any public maps, but Murdoch MacDonald's writing leads to some fine ones, and we have stumbled across some others. These remains of tiny drystone dwellings and fertile ground high in the valleys were used for summer pasturing until the middle of the 19th Century, when the Clearances forced their abandonment. This one is on the Abhainn Thràil, near the mouth of the Allt Beithe, on the way to Lochan Neimhe. June.
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(20a) War memorials are always thought-provoking places: here you see many names from a community that is small and so remote - remoteness that didn't confer safety. This memorial at Fasag (Torridon village), has one of the most dramatic backgrounds: Mullach an Rathain.
(20b) Church Cave, South Rona: this Island is to the west of the Outer Loch. There are many caves in the west Highlands that have been used as churches. Although Rona's wardens are the island's only inhabitants, this rough place was used for a wedding a few months before we saw it: reached only over steep rocky ground and a long walk from the nearest anchorage - it is another poignant place.
(20c) The preaching wall and seats at Am-ploc, at the head of the Loch. It is thought to have once been a Viking meeting place.
(20d) The cross on the floor of the Rona cave.
(20) Some outdoor religious sites.
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(21a) A perfect midsummer day - above as the first blue element..., looking across the head of the Upper Loch at low tide, Fasag village, towards Seana Mheallan (left), Beinn Liath Mhòr (left of centre) and Sgorr Ruadh (right of centre), which we'll see in more detail in photo (26). Also Beinn na h-Eaglaise (right).
(21b) Midsummer riches on the shore road, below Sgorr a' Chadail.
(21c) Milkwort, a tiny deep blue, common moorland plant here in June and July, sometimes seen in other colours.
(21d) Lichen near the Bealach a'Chomhla, April.
(21) Blue elements.
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(22) September sunset from Lochside Cottage, on the north shore of the Loch, looking towards Ben Shieldaig (left), the Narrows and the north end of the Applecross peninsula.
(22) September sunset from Lochside Cottage, on the north shore of the Loch, looking towards Ben Shieldaig (left), the Narrows and the north end of the Applecross peninsula.
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(23) Nacreous clouds, seen from Lochside in the gaps between frequent squalls. Looking across from the north shore at Lochside, towards the south part of the head of the Loch. The snowy, pointed peak on the left is Sgorr Ruadh. This was the first of a sequence of amazing things we experienced in four unforgettable days in midwinter.
(23) Nacreous clouds, seen from Lochside in the gaps between frequent squalls. Looking across from the north shore at Lochside, towards the south part of the head of the Loch. The snowy, pointed peak on the left is Sgorr Ruadh. This was the first of a sequence of amazing things we experienced in four unforgettable days in midwinter.
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(24a) Flowers: Grass of Parnassus at the lime-rich Rassal Ashwood, near Tornapress, September.
(24b) Lousewort - a common flower on the moorland here: we have also seen a pure white form on a high pass in nearby Kintail;
(24c) There are many vetches, trefoils, clover, etc. on low-lying hedgerows and verges, which can be really colourful in June and July. This one is on the shore road, right by the sea, at the foot of Liathach's west end (Sgorr a' Chadail).
(24d) Scabious is the dominant flower in mid-September, growing on open places and also, as here in Coire Roill, in mixed woodland.
(24e) We've seen roseroot at all levels: low on sea cliffs, and this one at the other extreme, just below the summit of Beinn Eighe, more than 3,000 feet up, in subarctic tundra conditions. It's under snow and ice much of the year, and fierce gales for most of the rest of it. The quartzite gravel here harbours miniature alpine gardens.
(24f) Orchids abound in the valleys and lower hills here, sometimes flowering in drifts on grassy areas. This butterfly orchid was growing on a roadside verge.
(24g) Another orchid.
(24) Summer flowers.
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(25) Though much of the land here is open, there are many woodlands, and some of the finest relict pine forest. They complement the richness of small plants - flowers in the grassland and moors, lichens and mosses on the peat and the rocks. Woodland is on the increase as large areas of previously grazed lower hillside are being protected from deer. This photo is at Coire Mhic Nòbaill, near the road bridge. July.
(25) Though much of the land here is open, there are many woodlands, and some of the finest relict pine forest. They complement the richness of small plants - flowers in the grassland and moors, lichens and mosses on the peat and the rocks. Woodland is on the increase as large areas of previously grazed lower hillside are being protected from deer. This photo is at Coire Mhic Nòbaill, near the road bridge. July.
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(26) This photo is also taken from Coire Mhic Nòbaill, looking towards the head of Loch Torridon, with Beinn Liath Mhòr and Sgorr Ruadh again showing their geological identity against a dark sky, and above the nearer Torridonian. Can you spot the heron?
(26) This photo is also taken from Coire Mhic Nòbaill, looking towards the head of Loch Torridon, with Beinn Liath Mhòr and Sgorr Ruadh again showing their geological identity against a dark sky, and above the nearer Torridonian. Can you spot the heron?
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(27a) We've hardly ever seen full-bodied red in petals here, but certainly have in lichens - this one was near the foot of Loch Damh.
(27b) Red in catkins: one of the great delights of walking in the Highlands is the bog myrtle, with its heady scent of spicy nutmeg. These April flowers are even more fragrant and resinous than the leaves which appear later. Seen at the flats at the bottom of Tom na Gruagaich, by the woods at Coire Mhic Nòbaill.
(27c) Red in leaves: the deep red in this photo is the leaves of tomentil, a common moorland flower here. We've even seen it with all-red leaves and stems in midsummer. This photo is high on the south slope of Sgorr Ruadh in September.
(27d) The tiny round-leaved sundew: the droplets are secretions from the plant designed to catch small insects.
(27e) More red lichen, again near Loch Damh.
(27) Red plants.
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(28) Sunset from the roadside viewpoint between Annat and Shieldaig, usually used to look directly across the Loch at the characteristic outlines on the north side. Here Ben Shieldaig is on the left, the Alligin gneiss on the right.
(28) Sunset from the roadside viewpoint between Annat and Shieldaig, usually used to look directly across the Loch at the characteristic outlines on the north side. Here Ben Shieldaig is on the left, the Alligin gneiss on the right.
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(29a) Looking out to sea, towards the Western Isles;
(29b) looking back towards the open moors north of Diabaig: Craig River (centre), and Beinn Dearg and Beinn Alligin (right), with the Flowerdale hills on the left. This area sees very few people now, and we are yet to explore it on foot, having seen it from several of the hills that overlook it. There is much history here - Neolithic rock shelters, what was the mainland's remotest youth hostel, shielings and crop-fields... and a ruin intriguingly close to the site of an ancient legend. The contrast between brilliant sun over the sea and overcast inland is something we see quite often here.
(29) Views from the mouth of outer Loch Torridon, looking out (west) and in (east).
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(30a) Sea otters on the upper Loch, hunting, playing, and icebreaking - from below and above! It was the noise of them smashing the ice, above the gentle and quirkily varied sounds of the ice moving and reforming with the tide, which alerted us to them. December glory.
(30b) The small islands of rock in the outer Loch, shown in photos (29a) and (29b), often have seals on them.
(30c) Sea otter.
(30d) Sea otter: the moment of emergence from under the ice.
(30e) Sea otter.
(30f) Sea otters.
(30) Marine animals: icebreaking sea-otters, and a resting seal.
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(31) Returning to Torridon's highest and most precipitous hill - Liathach: Coire na Caime, from the summit of Mullach an Rathain, with Beinn Eighe beyond. July.
(31) Returning to Torridon's highest and most precipitous hill - Liathach: Coire na Caime, from the summit of Mullach an Rathain, with Beinn Eighe beyond. July.
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(32) Liathach in full profile from the south, plus a bit of Beinn Eighe's front (far right), viewed from the Annat to Bealach na Lice path, December. This area abounds in huge, flat, horizontal sandstone slabs, littered with glacially deposited boulders: here they appear to be lined up, but this is partly a matter of perspective.
(32) Liathach in full profile from the south, plus a bit of Beinn Eighe's front (far right), viewed from the Annat to Bealach na Lice path, December. This area abounds in huge, flat, horizontal sandstone slabs, littered with glacially deposited boulders: here they appear to be lined up, but this is partly a matter of perspective.
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(33a) Like photo (24e), this moss campion was growing in the blasted tundra gravels just below Ruadh-stac Mòr - the summit of Beinn Eighe. But unlike the roseroot, which we've also seen growing in sheltered places by the sea, we've only ever seen moss campion growing in wild exposure more than 3,000 feet up. July.
(33b) More sphagnum, this time on the steep tussocky eastern slopes of Beinn Shieldaig.
(33c) Wild thyme, on Sgorr a'Chadail's northern slopes.
(33d) Orchid, this time with strong patterns on the petals - these are common and don't usually indicate a different species - just a natural work of art!
(33e) Lichen on quartzite, on the east slopes of Sgorr Ruadh, above the top of Coire Làir.
(33f) Another orchid, this time in one of the many hidden valleys of the gneiss high above Alligin.
(33) Purple and pink plants.
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(34) The next three photographs features Maol Chean-dearg: the gaelic epithets "bald" and "red" are certainly true of much this bold-shaped hill. Here it is seen from the stepping stones on the Annat to Loch an Eòin path, with a thin layer of sunlit hill-cloud. It's in black and white - partly because this view was a huge contrast of light and dark - not far off monochrome. We hope that conversion of this and photo (36) to black-and-white adds another element to the show: it also helped hide the photographer's problem of flare!
(34) The next three photographs features Maol Chean-dearg: the gaelic epithets "bald" and "red" are certainly true of much this bold-shaped hill. Here it is seen from the stepping stones on the Annat to Loch an Eòin path, with a thin layer of sunlit hill-cloud. It's in black and white - partly because this view was a huge contrast of light and dark - not far off monochrome. We hope that conversion of this and photo (36) to black-and-white adds another element to the show: it also helped hide the photographer's problem of flare!
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(35) The view northwards from the summit of Maol Chean-dearg: the structure of the layered Torridonian is striking from here - it's a great viewpoint in other directions as well. June.
(35) The view northwards from the summit of Maol Chean-dearg: the structure of the layered Torridonian is striking from here - it's a great viewpoint in other directions as well. June.
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(36) The stepping stones on the Annat to Loch an Eòin path, above Loch an Uillt-bheithe, with Maol Chean-dearg in the background, also in September.
(36) The stepping stones on the Annat to Loch an Eòin path, above Loch an Uillt-bheithe, with Maol Chean-dearg in the background, also in September.
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(37) Returning to the Loch, and more reflections, here we see December sunset over the partially frozen sea. Viewed from near Rechullin, on the north side of the Loch, December.
(37) Returning to the Loch, and more reflections, here we see December sunset over the partially frozen sea. Viewed from near Rechullin, on the north side of the Loch, December.
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(38) The Loch from the summit of Sgorr a' Chadail: similar to photo (2), but here we see the mirror of sky and sea more clearly. July.
(38) The Loch from the summit of Sgorr a' Chadail: similar to photo (2), but here we see the mirror of sky and sea more clearly. July.
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(39) Late afternoon - patches of sunlight on the Loch, seen from the western slopes of Beinn Liath Mhòr in July.
(39) Late afternoon - patches of sunlight on the Loch, seen from the western slopes of Beinn Liath Mhòr in July.
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(40) Four photos of alpenglow in the evening, the same day we'd seen it in the morning - photo (3). These are all viewed from the eastern flank of Beinn na h-Eaglaise, on the Annat path. Here the sunset and snow pick out the details on Liathach's Mullach an Rathain.
(40) Four photos of alpenglow in the evening, the same day we'd seen it in the morning - photo (3). These are all viewed from the eastern flank of Beinn na h-Eaglaise, on the Annat path. Here the sunset and snow pick out the details on Liathach's Mullach an Rathain.
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(41) On the right is the last sun on the top of Sgùrr Dubh, with the frozen Lochan Neimhe below, while on the left the distant Fannaichs steal the show.
(41) On the right is the last sun on the top of Sgùrr Dubh, with the frozen Lochan Neimhe below, while on the left the distant Fannaichs steal the show.
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(42) The Fannaichs and Beinn Eighe, whose graceful ridges we first mentioned in photo (5). They are perhaps best seen at this angle and in this light.
(42) The Fannaichs and Beinn Eighe, whose graceful ridges we first mentioned in photo (5). They are perhaps best seen at this angle and in this light.
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(43) Liathach alpenglow again: the fearsome pinnacles, Am Farasinen, and summit, Spidean a' Choire Lèith.
(43) Liathach alpenglow again: the fearsome pinnacles, Am Farasinen, and summit, Spidean a' Choire Lèith.
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(44) Midday, midwinter: reflections high in the hills. Beinn Damh (left) and Beinn na h-Eaglaise (right), looking west across Loch an Eòin.
(44) Midday, midwinter: reflections high in the hills. Beinn Damh (left) and Beinn na h-Eaglaise (right), looking west across Loch an Eòin.
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(45) More bright ice at the top of the day - this time back at the sea: the Upper Loch, from the north shore.
(45) More bright ice at the top of the day - this time back at the sea: the Upper Loch, from the north shore.
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(46) This photo is from earlier the same day as (45): to end the show, we return to early morning, from Lochside Cottage - centre of so much rich experience for us... transcendent Torridon - we hope to return soon...
(46) This photo is from earlier the same day as (45): to end the show, we return to early morning, from Lochside Cottage - centre of so much rich experience for us... transcendent Torridon - we hope to return soon...
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