Camas Torsa

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

Parking

Viewpoint

Picnic area

Find the essentials

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

Getting here

From Strontian, take the A816 west to Salen. Then follow the B8007 for about 1¼ 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