Loch Torridon Coastal Path, Diabaig

The coastal path between Diabaig and Inveralligin is a genuinely wild and challenging walk through some of the most spectacularly rugged and rocky scenery in Torridon — a real adventure that consistently proves tougher than the map suggests, passing beneath towering crags with the great mountains of Torridon as a constant backdrop.

The route starts from the small car park just before Diabaig pier, a beautiful, peaceful fishing village at the end of a dramatic road. From the car park, the path passes through a gate by Cadhanahearba cottage before climbing through attractive woodland — watch for the word "Path" painted on a rock, marking the start of a rockier section. The route then traverses above a crag on a wide, comfortable ledge with spectacular views back towards Diabaig, before forking; the right branch is the main route (the left leads only to a climbers' slab).

The path continues to climb towards the Bealach Mòr, curving past two small lochs — Loch a' Bhealaich Mhòir and Lochan Dubh — a boggy stretch in places, before descending with a wonderful view ahead to Shieldaig across Loch Torridon. Further round, another magnificent view opens over the head of the loch, before the path traverses the steep slope of Leacan Bana, sweeping right down to the sea — care is needed here, as heather can push walkers close to the edge. The path eventually forks again, both branches leading to Wester Alligin, with the shorter left option cutting across heather moorland and through beechwoods before fading out near the crofts; a right turn at the road leads down to Inveralligin.

Many walkers combine this with an inland return via Loch Diabaigas Airde and the Allt an Uain gorge back to Diabaig, avoiding a long road walk, though this adds considerable distance and its own boggy sections.

This walk should not be underestimated — the path is rough, rocky, and traverses steep, occasionally exposed ground throughout, with sections that can become overgrown with bracken in summer; sturdy boots, good weather, and a realistic assessment of the terrain are all essential given how much tougher this proves in practice than its modest distance suggests.

Parking at Diabaig is free but limited; there is no public transport to either Diabaig or Inveralligin, so a car shuttle or return via the same route is needed unless walking as part of a longer trip.