If you wish to explore deeper into the cave system, which is only accessible by boat, you will need to take part in an organised tour. It is amazing to think that hundreds of years ago people inhabited these caves. Very well thought out for visitors making it easy to access and explore. Distance 3 miles/5km (Smoo Cave circuit to Sango Bay and return to Smoo car park). We spent about an hour, at the cave. Smoo Cave: Steep walk - See 1,116 traveler reviews, 1,046 candid photos, and great deals for Durness, UK, at Tripadvisor. Through the Smoo cave, water of Allt Smoo also drops as a 20 metres long waterfall. Situated around a mile to the east of the town of Durness, the cave can be explored by boat or by the path from the car park on the cliffs. At the top, you can walk over the cave, which allows you to see over the blowhole. using a map and compass. In 1814, when Sir Walter Raleigh entered the third chamber by boat, he described it as exceedingly strange, and an appropriate home for dark beings from the underworld. Historic King's Cave is one of several locations in which Robert the Bruce is said to have had his famed encounter with a spider. Sep 17, 2019 - Walk this way to Smoo Cave! Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. 23. This is a cave that’s absolutely monumental in size, and the cave entrance has the privilege of being the largest sea cave entrance in Britain – something you’ll only really appreciate once you visit the place. Smoo Cave is accessible 365 days a year, with public access over a walkway into the waterfall chamber, is free of charge. It is the main tourist attraction in Durness and an impressive site that we would recommend to anybody visiting this beautiful and wild corner of Scotland. Date of experience: October 2020. Ideal for … Smoo Cave has an amazing history linking Vikings to this coastal fishing community and is able to offer guided tours in peak season. Smoo Cave is found about 1 mile east of the village Durness (which is the most northwestern village on the British mainland). There are three natural chambers, one that can only be accessed by boat, and one where a waterfall thunders down from a sink hole high above. The walk is about 1.3 miles long with little elevation gain. Smoo Cave: Nice walk from campsite - See 1,096 traveler reviews, 1,009 candid photos, and great deals for Durness, UK, at Tripadvisor. Smoo Cave: Smoo cave walk - See 1,119 traveller reviews, 1,056 candid photos, and great deals for Durness, UK, at Tripadvisor. To the right Loch Meadaidh can be seen. Here the Allt Smoo falls 25 metres into the cave through a opening in the ceiling - this forms an impressive blow hole during stormy seas. Personally, I have not done this walk, but you can find details here. The Location is remote but easily accessible and well worth the effort, Durness itself lies on the most northern coast the North Coast 500 in the Scottish Highlands. Starting at the sink hole where the Allt Smoo burn flows into Smoo Cave walk upstream on the left hand side of the river for about two kilometres. Definitely worth a visit if you are in the area or doing NC500. Helpful. Smoo Cave . Take the steps down from behind the toilet block that descend into the deep geo or sea inlet - Geodha Smoo. In 1814, when Sir Walter Raleigh entered the third chamber by boat, he described it as exceedingly strange, and an appropriate home for dark beings from the netherworld. Starting at the sink hole where the Allt Smoo burn flows into Smoo Cave walk upstream on the left hand side of the river for about two kilometres. Smoo Cave: Worth the walk down. The Walk. "Smoo" is a name thought to derive from the Old Norse Smugawhich means "hiding place" and the name is applied to this end of the village and to the river, the Allt Smoo, which disappears When I visited it, it was january so I couldn't go on the boat trip. Next stop: Smoo Cave, large seawater and also a freshwater cave near Durness. The nearest stations to Smoo Cave are: Smoo Cave, Leirinmore is 85 meters away, 2 min walk. Overview Smoo Cave is a natural sea cave located ~1 mile to the East of Durness village centre which is in Sutherland in the North West Highlands of Scotland. Visited Smoo cave, while driving the northern most section of the North Coast 500. After visiting the waterfall inside the cave, you can walk up to the point where you can see the hole in the ground through which it enters. The second chamber is accessible on a a wooden walkway and is smaller but still impressive. Distance 3 miles/5km (Smoo Cave circuit to Sango Bay and return to Smoo car park). Smoo Cave: Large cave and coastal walk. You can visit the Smoo Caves at any time of the day, with the main cave remaining open to the public 24-7. Chris H … Length 5.4 mi Elevation gain 711 ft Route type Out & Back Hiking Nature trips Cave Views Wild flowers The third chamber is only accessible by taking the boat trip - details can be found on the board at the top. Turn right here and follow this track until a gate leads to a surfaced road where you continue straight ahead until the main road. -This is a private tour of 3 days that will be customised around you. Inner cave tour: £6 adult / £3 child From the car park, steps descend 30 metres or so to the cave entrance. Unfortunately, there was no guide available on that day, which would have added insight into the history of the cave. At the next junction keep right and soon the Allt Smoo is crossed on stepping stones and the track from Loch Meadaidh is reached. Inner cave tour: daily, April to September | First part of cave: free. Located on Scotland’s most northerly coastline, on the only primary road in the area, the A838 Durness to Tongue and at the eastern edge of the village of Durness; a truly dramatic location and one of those "not to be missed, well worth a visit" stops, espcially if you are visiting the Smoo Cave Hotel. Don’t miss to walk through the foot bridge followed by the cave as this bridge leads to the stop from where the river has emerged into the underground. GR: NC 418670. the entire walk can be completed in anywhere from 20 - 30 minutes but to explore the entire cave and surrounding area you should give yourself about an hour to an hour and a half. Once you have explored the cave take the long sloping path up the other side and then at the top turn right to follow the path to the road, ignoring the small path which returns to the car park over the top of the cave. ... We attempted the cave walk today after finding it on all trails. People are asked to stay at home except for essential purposes. Open start point in Google Maps for directions. It takes approx 10 minutes to walk from … : NC 419671 ///neck.lamplight.raft First part of cave is always open. About Smoo Cave. Walk Description Stage 1 Start from the car park for Smoo Cave, east of Durness, just past the Youth Hostel, where there are toilets and a picnic area. Iza Wright reviewed Prince Charlie's Cave from Elgol. Explore the mystical cave before stretching your legs on the Smoo Cave and Bhlar Duibhe walk, an enjoyable circular route through open moorland and a popular choice with birdwatchers. Smoo is a word of Norse origin, meaning cleft, or hole. Carpark had no view and was sloping but close to Smoo Cave to walk within 15 minutes. We ascended the steps to the other side of the cave and took a walk along the top of the stunning cliffs. Smoo Cave: Well worth the walk. Does your firm want to sponsor this route. Smoo Cave is located at the eastern edge of the village of Durness, on Scotland's most northerly coastline. The cave boasts one of the largest entrances to any sea cave … Follow the burn to the left to a path. Smoo Cave: Nice cave and awesome walk - See 1,117 traveller reviews, 1,046 candid photos, and great deals for Durness, UK, at Tripadvisor. Please let us know by clicking here. Smoo Cave: interesting short walk - See 1,119 traveler reviews, 1,056 candid photos, and great deals for Durness, UK, at Tripadvisor. Normally it is possible to walk into the cave and I think even take some kind of boat trips, but it was closed this day after the heavy rainfalls during the night. The tour begins in the main chamber and from there we can walk across the wooden walkway through to the Lake (or waterfall) Chamber where you need to climb down some ladders to enter a river raft. I will be in the cave daily from 10am till late to answer any questions you have about the cave. Scotland is under national lockdown. If you don't mind stairs, it is a short walk and easy and safe to access. Turn right to cross a walkway and visit Smoo Cave. There are some steep stairs to climb down initially to get to the cave and there’s also a nice little beach area. The Keil Caves were long used as dwellings; St Columba's footprints, chapel and well are a reminder that this is where he landed in Scotland in 563, and the rock of … Cave At the eastern end of the extended village of Durnessis the car park for Smoo Cave. The name “Smoo” comes from the Old Norse Smuga which means […] After visiting the waterfall inside the cave, you can walk up to the point where you can see the hole in the ground through which it enters. What are the nearest stations to Smoo Cave? Have you found an error or is any information wrong or missing? There are many ancient stories that tell that this cave is a gateway to the faerie world, guarded by spirits. Started our day with a quick walk to this cave. Gentle 15minute walk to and from cave. As well as reading our description of each walking route, you can read about the experiences of others users on this walk and others.There are 3 user reports for this walk - click to read them. Share. Next stop: Smoo Cave, large seawater and also a freshwater cave near Durness. There is also a circular walking path from here. Smoo Cave Tours / GSG / SCRO Smoo Cave is fully accessible 365 days a year public access with a walkway into the waterfall chamber, free of charge. About Smoo Cave. Through the Smoo cave, water of Allt Smoo also drops as a 20 metres long waterfall. Turn right at the main road to follow the pavement past the Community Hall and the short distance back to the Smoo Cave car park. Carpark had no view and was sloping but close to Smoo Cave to walk within 15 minutes. Oktober 2020. Legend even has it that the cave is home to the spirits who guard the entrance to the netherworld. Time: 1.5 - 2 hours Route description Stage 1 Start from the car park for Smoo Cave, east of Durness, just past the Youth Hostel, where there are toilets and a picnic area. -This is a private tour of 3 days that will be customised around you. The rain had been heavy so the water was rushing through the cave as we entered. Well worth the walk down to the Smoo Caves and then around the headland back to the car park. … - See 1,111 traveler reviews, 1,027 candid photos, and great deals for Durness, UK, at Tripadvisor. If you have the misfortune not to go on the boat trip, you can have a walk on the cliffs and enjoy the power of the sea. A superb coastal walk visiting a series of caves in the sandstone cliffs. Great shot from @glasgowdave of this hidden gem of the Highlands #SmooCave #Durness #Sutherland #Highlands… Smoo Cave in the far northern Highlands is arguably one of – if not the – most impressive natural wonders in Scotland.. Take the steps down from behind the toilet block that descend into the deep geo or sea inlet - Geodha Smoo. Unfortunately, there was no guide available on that day, which would have added insight into the history of the cave. It was so boggy it took us twice as long to get there. At the road turn left and cross the road to head uphill on the pavement. From Blackwaterfoot you can walk along the beach and through the clever boulder-field path, part of … There is parking at smoo cave and it has good signs for direction. The cave itself is formed from limestone and the first chamber measures 60 metres by 40 metres and is 15 metres high, making it Britain's biggest sea cave. Called into pub to let them know we would like to stay and book in for dinner, and grumpy man behind bar said we were not welcome to stay as ‘campers block my evening diners’. Good walking and spectacular caves An interesting place to visit seeing the spectacular caves. A short walk gets you to the cave. We are almost half way to our target  and hopefully we'll make our target by the end of the summer. After leaving Durness I soon reached Smoo, with its famous cave and I decided I had to descend down to see it, even if it meant an ascent back up after. Map OS Landranger sheet 9. Smoo Cave: Lovely little walk - See 1,119 traveller reviews, 1,056 candid photos, and great deals for Durness, UK, at Tripadvisor. Steep descent and ascent involved at the cave but path and handrails all the way. Definitely to be recommended. We spent about an hour, at the cave. Normally it is possible to walk into the cave and I think even take some kind of boat trips, but it was closed this day after the heavy rainfalls during the night. Flat walks to varying gradients and from short to any length of distance are available from right outside the Smoo Cave Hotel. Take the steps down from behind the toilet block that descend into the deep geo or sea inlet - Geodha Smoo. Steep descent and ascent involved at the cave but path and handrails all the way. Steps to Smoo Cave then gravel track, and road with pavement. The rough track climbs gently over landscape typical of this part of Sutherland, wide moorlands interspersed with steep mountains and watery lochans. Click for details. Pulled up here anticipating spending the night and eating dinner in the pub. Called into pub to let them know we would like to stay and book in for dinner, and grumpy man behind bar said we were not welcome to stay as ‘campers block my evening diners’. The name Smoo is thought to be derived from the Norse word "smjugg" meaning hole creek or cleft. Smoo Cave bridge over stream. Unfortunately, there was no guide available on that day, which would have added insight into the history of the cave. Smoo Cave is one of the most visited natural attractions in northern Scotland, a natural sea cave carved into high limestone cliffs near Durness, Sutherland. This is a cave that’s absolutely monumental in size, and the cave entrance has the privilege of being the largest sea cave entrance in Britain – something you’ll only really appreciate once you visit the place. Great beaches at Durness Camp Site on North Coast 500 for Camping and Caravans at Sango Sands Bay, For tents, caravans, motorhomes, campervans with electricity all essential showers/water/toilets etc also restaurant and pub, Close local shops, fuel, gifts and near craft village and golf course. It is a dramatic location and on the only primary road in the area, the A838 Durness to Tongue. Smoo Cave came to public notice after Sir Walter Scott featured it in an account of the cruise around northern Scotland he undertook in 1814. Follow the burn to the left to a path. Smoo Cave: Well worth the stopping for a walk - See 1,119 traveler reviews, 1,056 candid photos, and great deals for Durness, UK, at Tripadvisor. Take the steps down from behind the toilet block that descend into the deep geo or sea inlet - Geodha Smoo. Visited Smoo cave, while driving the northern most section of the North Coast 500. It is an impressive cave, made a bit tacky by the crappy signs, but the waterfall chamber which was almost completely dark in places was really beautiful. It was amazing. - See 1,098 traveller reviews, 1,010 candid photos, and great deals for Durness, UK, at Tripadvisor. 15. Pulled up here anticipating spending the night and eating dinner in the pub. Open start point in Google Maps for directions. Fantastic cave formed by water erosion! Smoo Cave in the far northern Highlands is arguably one of – if not the – most impressive natural wonders in Scotland.. The cave was formed along the boundary between two types of rock, the Sangomore Formation and the Sailmhor Formation. It is now a fixture on the itinerary of just about every visitor to northern Sutherland which means, of course, that the car park can become a little busy at times. - See 1,119 traveller reviews, 1,056 candid photos, and great deals for Durness, UK, at Tripadvisor. Gehen Toll! Line Name: Direction: 803: Thurso: 806: Lairg: Questions & Answers. Go through the gate and keep following the track as it heads inland over heather moorland. Map OS Landranger sheet 9. Smoo Cave is a stunning sea cave that is set into the cliffs in Durness in suthereland, This is a mus visit if you are doing the North Coast 500 tourist around the north coast. Start from the car park for Smoo Cave, east of Durness, just past the Youth Hostel, where there are toilets and a picnic area. Wandern. The waterfall, though, was really impressive and powerfull. Opposite the car park entrance is the sink hole where the water rushes down. 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