Smoo Cave

Smoo Cave is a large sea cave near Durness, reached by a path and steps down from the car park. Look into the entrance and, when conditions allow, see a stream and waterfall inside. You can explore the first pool independently or join a guided tour for access to other areas when tours are running. A loop trail adds views of the surrounding cliffs, and a beach nearby makes a useful extra stop. The cave is free to enter; allow time for the walk as well as the visit.

Inside the cave

Smoo Cave sits at the foot of a rocky inlet near Durness. A path with steps leads down from the car park to the entrance. Inside, a stream runs through the cave, and a waterfall can be seen when conditions allow. Its flow depends on the weather, so recent rain can make a difference.

You can see the first pool independently. Access to other areas is by guided tour, when tours are running. Weather can affect whether a tour goes ahead, so check availability if reaching those areas matters to your visit.

The walk above the inlet

After visiting the cave, take the loop trail instead of returning by the same route. It passes around the inlet and gives views of the surrounding cliffs. The full walk takes about an hour. The path down to the cave has steps and can become muddy in wet weather.

The main car park has toilets, though the parking area is small and can be busy. There is another parking area nearby. A beach just up the road can also be added to the stop.