The Torridon area of the Western Highlands is situated on the west coast of Scotland, in Wester Ross. The area is well known to climbers, photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, hikers, and countless visitors from around the world, for what is considered to be some of the finest scenery in Europe. The mountains are very nearly the highest in Britain, rising in places almost vertically to 3500 feet from the deep sea lochs. We spent last night at the Torridon Youth Hostel, and ate dinner in Shieldaig - that's where we tried the haggis - at least three of us did (guess who didn't!). Shieldaig village was actually built to 'raise' and train sailors to fight Napoleon. Building started in 1810, but then Napoleon was defeated at Waterloo, and the brave men of Shieldaig were never asked to fight. Shieldaig village now has about 85 full time occupants.We drove the scenic route from Shieldaig to Applecross, going right up into the clouds, then descending to the sea. Around each delightful (I'm not allowed to complain about the roads anymore) blind corner, we found a new surprise, from trees that looked like they were straight out of Jurassic Park to sheep, deer, and highland cattle on sheer cliffs, eating away, despite the peril. The circular drive to Applecross from Shieldaig is one of the finest drives in Europe. The road rises 2,300 feet from sea level in just a few miles (Britain's highest mountain pass) and has spectacular views to the Isle of Skye.