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Camas Torsa

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Latest forest information

Open water

  • This destination contains areas of open water which can be hazardous if you are not suitably prepared. Follow our water safety advice and take care.

About

A peaceful picnic site with intriguing Viking history

Camas Torsa reminds us that this area was a Viking stronghold a thousand years ago. Its Gaelic name means 'the bay of Thor's river'. Today it's a tranquil place with wonderful views across Loch Sunart to Glencripesdale National Nature Reserve. Watch out for seals, otters and sea eagles fishing in the loch.

Oakwoods once grew all along the Atlantic coast from Norway to Spain and fragments of those ancient forests have survived across Sunart. The woods were once home to a thriving community producing charcoal, bark for leather tanning and timber for building. The Vikings particularly valued the local oaks for building boats.

About 150 years ago, non-native conifers began to be planted here at Camas Torsa, to produce fast-growing timber. Once the current stands of Sitka spruce have been felled, native oaks, birch and rowan will be allowed to regenerate along the loch shore to help re-establish the complex environment of the lost oakwoods.

Facilities and access

Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Parking
Parking
Picnic area
Picnic area

Find the essentials

You'll find public toilets, refreshments and shops at nearby Acharacle.

Car parking information

There is no charge to park in this car park. Please park with care and consideration. In particular please park in designated parking areas only and do not block entrances or gates.

More about parking

Getting here

From Strontian, take the A816 west to Salen. Then follow the B8007 for about 1ΒΌ miles (2 km). Camas Torsa car park is on your left.

Using SatNav?

PH36 4JN is the nearest postcode.

Public transport

There are buses from Fort William to Kilchoan via Salen every day except Sunday, which pass Camas Torsa. Find timetables at Traveline Scotland.

Get directions

Get in touch

Have a question or suggestion for improvement?

Phone
0300 067 6650 (option 1)
More contact information

Nearby forests

Drooping conifer branch

A peaceful loch alive with water lilies and dragonflies

Facilities and activities
Walking
Walking
Parking
Parking
Distance from 'Lochan na Dunaich': 1.1 miles
Drooping conifer branch

Ancient woodland leads to a peaceful natural harbour

Facilities and activities
Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Walking
Walking
Parking
Parking
Picnic area
Picnic area
Distance from 'Sàilean nan Cuileag': 1.45 miles
Drooping conifer branch

Spot seals, herons and otters on Loch Sunart

Facilities and activities
All ability trails
All ability trails
Easy-access facilities
Easy-access facilities
Parking (charge)
Parking (charge)
Walking
Walking
Wildlife hide
Wildlife hide
Stay the Night
Stay the Night
Distance from 'Garbh Eilean Wildlife Hide': 3.88 miles