Inside The Torridon, the UK’s most northerly five-star hotel in the Scottish Highlands

Nothing says “I’m in the Scottish highlands” quite like watching the shaggy, rugged, sloppy-nosed mass of a heilan coo (highland cow) chomp on its food. This is something you can admire, and actively take part in, at 3pm daily as a guest at The Torridon.

Built in 1887 as a remote hunting lodge, with all the turreted grandeur you’d expect from an elegant Scottish retreat, this homely Relais & Châteaux hotel instantly makes you feel like you’ve arrived to stay with close friends. Friends who reside at the UK’s most northerly five-star hotel and can lend you Le Chameau wellington boots, that is.

The drive from Inverness slowly prepared me for the remote tranquillity of The Torridon. Once ensconced in my room, I was confronted with the ash-coloured, textured Torridon Hills that face the hotel; it’s impossible not to have a view of these hills and Loch Torridon at their feet when looking out of any window at the front of the hotel. And this view changes by the minute, depending on the sunlight, cloud cover or general demeanour of the Scottish climate.

I was staying in one of the 18 luxurious rooms and suites in the main hotel building, all meticulously designed by Rohaise Rose-Bristow who owns and runs The Torridon with her husband, Dan. The hotel also has an additional 12 rooms in the nearby Stables building, plus a private self-catering boathouse for groups wanting a private retreat experience.

I braved some wild swimming on the shores of the loch in the morning sun, donning a dry robe and wellington boots. I tentatively stepped into the water from the natural pier of grass that was smattered in sea kelp. The cold of the water was bracing but wholly revitalising; it was worth it for the energy boost afterwards. This was followed by a tailored yoga class led by Rebecca Winifred-Edie who lives locally and comes to teach at the hotel. I discovered that mountain pose takes on a whole new meaning when you’re doing it while gazing out at an actual highland mountain.

Later that day, I was treated to forest bathing with Hamish Martin, known for exclusively wearing kilts, no matter the weather or occasion. “The wind has a language,” he shared knowingly, as he described how each tree whistles differently when the wind goes past. Having spent time learning about Indigenous plant wisdom in North America and South Africa, Hamish captivated me by highlighting that “there’s a world wide web beneath our feet; all the trees are talking to one another” because of their extensive roots. After a short while under Hamish’s tutelage, I began to notice the finer details of the natural world around us. The flaky, croissant layers of bark on the Scots pine trees, the petite pine cones that littered the forest floor like sweets that had just burst out of a piñata, and the moss that softened the texture of the forest floor, offering itself as a natural mattress.

For dinner at the hotel’s Bo & Muc Brasserie, I was treated to an astronomy talk with Stephen Mackintosh, which guests can book too. It was too cloudy to see anything in the sky but that didn’t matter after having my mind blown by Stephen’s thoughtful explanations of stars, constellations, the moon, time and space. It turns out that being lectured at the dinner table can be enjoyable when it’s with an astrologer.

Speaking of stars, the food at The Torridon is reason enough to stay at the hotel. Its other restaurant, 1887, earned itself a Michelin star in 2026 under the thoughtful leadership of Chef Danny Young. Not only that, it also earned a Michelin green star in recognition of its local produce and eco-friendly practices. From Loch Torridon langoustine to North Sea cod, dinner was exceptional. It was preceded by some time at the hotel bar, which has 365 whiskies on display. So you could happily sip a new tipple every day of the year. There are also many Scottish gins to try, including The Torridon’s very own Arcturus Gin made using herbs from the picturesque and zen-like kitchen garden.

From the warm welcome to the thoughtful interior design and each activity to enjoy while staying, every detail has been carefully considered at The Torridon. No stone has been left unturned to ensure that guests have a memorable stay and leave feeling transformed by rest and nature. The Torridon is proof that the United Kingdom has remote wilderness that can feel like you’re at the end of the world. And if you’re lucky, your stay might just be rounded off with a private viewing of the Northern Lights, which decided to make an appearance on my final night after dinner. The best night cap that a traveller could wish for.

More information: Rooms start from £535 per night for a Classic Room, including breakfast. The author stayed in a Superior Loch View Room, with prices starting from £685 per night. Learn more at thetorridon.com