Camas Torsa
COVID-19 update
- Read our Covid-19 Information in advance of your visit.
- Most of our forests and facilities are open, but use our website to check before you travel.
- Do not light campfires or use disposable barbecues.
- Park considerately, taking care not to park on verges or block gates or roads.
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 & access
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.
Getting here
From Strontian, take the A816 west to Salen. Then follow the B8007 for about 1¼ miles (2 km). Camustorsa 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 Camustorsa. Find timetables at Traveline Scotland.
Get in touch
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