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Smoo Cave

Cave

Terrain:

Activities

Best Time To Visit

Coastal, Caves, Cliffs

Walking, Photography

Year round

Photo: Oliver Dixon via Geograph.org.uk

Fierce northern gales continuously blast the rugged and windy, highly exposed Sutherland coast where a spectacular, dark limestone mouth measuring over fifty feet high aggressively swallows the steep, slippery edge of the grassy cliffs just one mile east of the remote Durness village. Geologists fi...

10

Parking nearby

1

Food Spots nearby

2

Staycations nearby

Parking:

Food:

Staycations:

5 day, 5 overnight

The Smoo Cave Hotel Bar – Durness

Durness Youth Hostel, Cabin at Mackay's

Nearest Hidden Gem 2

Nearest Hidden Gem 3

FAQ's/Things to Know

Where is Smoo Cave?
Sutherland hosts this massive coastal attraction along its far northern shoreline. Walking paths lead down from the nearby cliffs to reach the entrance.

What type of place is Smoo Cave?
Smoo Cave is a large sea cave set into the limestone cliffs near Durness in the Scottish Highlands.

When is the best time to visit Smoo Cave?
Bright autumn mornings offer the most dramatic atmosphere while helping you beat the peak holiday crowds. Heavy rainfall over winter can cause the internal water levels to rise and restrict access, making the drier months ideal for checking out the inner caverns.

What can you do at Smoo Cave?
Exploring the gargantuan main chamber on foot provides a fantastic sense of scale before you head across the internal footbridge. Joining a guided boat tour during the summer months allows you to venture past the roaring waterfall into the deeper recesses of the cave system.

How long should I spend at Smoo Cave?
Allowing roughly an hour gives you plenty of time to enjoy the self-guided sections and take photos. Booking onto one of the subterranean boat trips will mean extending your stay to around two hours.

Where do I park at Smoo Cave?
Spaces for ten vehicles exist at the main site, divided equally into five day slots and five overnight spots. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

Where can I eat near Smoo Cave?
The Smoo Cave Hotel Bar – Durness provides a reliable spot to get a meal just up the road. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

Where can I stay near Smoo Cave?
Durness Youth Hostel and Cabin at Mackay's represent the choices available right in the local area. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

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Last Updated:

02 July 2026

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