Smoo Cave – Durness

Smoo Cave is a massive, spectacular sea cave carved deep into the limestone cliffs of the far northern coast. It is located in the beautiful village of Durness in Sutherland and uses the postcode IV27 4PN.

What to Expect and Enjoy

This is a magnificent natural wonder that feels like a hidden lair from an adventure film. It is unique because it features a massive sea-facing entrance chamber combined with a secondary inner chamber where a freshwater river crashes down as a waterfall.

• The Giant Entrance: Walk down the wooden path into the main cave opening, which is over 50 feet high and completely awe-inspiring. The sheer size of the stone arches is breathtaking.
• The Wooden Boardwalk: A sturdy wooden pathway takes you safely over the water into the second chamber, where you can stand on a viewing platform to look at the powerful, roaring underground waterfall.
• The Inner Boat Tours: In the summer months, local guides operate small rubber dinghy tours that take you even deeper into the dark, hidden inner caverns of the cave system where you can see ancient rock formations.
• The Clifftop Walks: After exploring the inside, head up the steps to the top of the cliffs. You can look down into the massive blowhole where the river plunges into the cave below, surrounded by stunning views of the white sandy beaches of Durness.

Best For and Time Spent

An absolute winner for active families, teenagers, couples, and road trippers looking for an exciting, slightly wild natural adventure.

• Duration: If you are just walking the boardwalk to see the main chambers and waterfall, budget about 45 minutes to an hour. If you add the guided inner boat tour, expect to spend around 1.5 hours here.
• Tone: Adventurous, dramatic, and refreshing. The sound of the roaring water inside the cave is incredibly powerful and exciting.

Helpful Tips for Your Visit

• Parking: There is a public car park located on the clifftops right above the cave entrance. It requires a small payment, and public toilets are available on-site.
• Food & Drink: Durness has a couple of fantastic, cozy cafes and a world-famous hot chocolate shop just a short drive down the road. Packing some snacks to enjoy on the clifftop benches is highly recommended.
• Accessibility: Reaching the cave requires walking down a steep path with several steps from the car park, so it can be a little challenging for prams or anyone with limited mobility.
• Savings: Access to the main cave chambers and the waterfall boardwalk is completely free, making it a brilliant budget-friendly stop. The optional inner boat tour has a small fee paid directly to the local guides.
• Weather Warning: The inner waterfall chamber can get very misty and damp from the spray, and the paths can be slippery. Wearing sturdy shoes with good grip and a waterproof jacket is a smart move.

Nearby and Combine-able Hits

Smoo Cave is a legendary highlight of the far northern coast. You can easily combine it with a scenic road trip heading east toward the iconic landmark at John o’ Groats. It is also a fantastic natural stopping point if you are planning to drive south toward the dramatic mountain roads of the Falls of Measach or the spectacular passes of the Bealach na Ba.