Carpark had no view and was sloping but close to Smoo Cave to walk within 15 minutes. Smoo Cave was near the town of Durness on the far northwest extreme of Highland Scotland.. To get here from Inverness, we took a route that involved taking the A9 towards Tore (a little over 8 miles), then taking the A835 (becoming A837) towards the A894 (about 74 miles).. Then, we’d follow the A894 for another 18 miles before it merges with the A838 road. Smoo Cave: Worth the walk down. A superb coastal walk visiting a series of caves in the sandstone cliffs. Explore Smoo Cave, a massive sea cave, and then head inland on a moorland track for a pleasant, fairly flat circuit, with a short section along a minor road with pavement. 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. Come and explore the majesty which these parts of the Scottish Highlands can offer, northwest Sutherland is one of the least populated areas and … At the top, you can walk over the cave, which allows you to see over the blowhole. Smoo Cave: Great walk with gorgeous views - See 1,119 traveler reviews, 1,056 candid photos, and great deals for Durness, UK, at Tripadvisor. 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. We are almost half way to our target and hopefully we'll make our target by the end of the summer. Take the steps down from behind the toilet block that descend into the deep geo or sea inlet - Geodha Smoo. 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. illustrates directly some of the classic ways rivers help form landscapes. Visited Smoo cave, while driving the northern most section of the North Coast 500. About Smoo Cave. 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. 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. 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. Unfortunately, there was no guide available on that day, which would have added insight into the history of the cave. Steps to Smoo Cave then gravel track, and road with pavement. - See 1,119 traveller reviews, 1,056 candid photos, and great deals for Durness, UK, at Tripadvisor. Opposite the car park entrance is the sink hole where the water rushes down. Does your firm want to sponsor this route. From Blackwaterfoot you can walk along the beach and through the clever boulder-field path, part of … Should you wish to venture further inside and learn about the natural and human history of the cave, then you can join us for a tour. Steep descent and ascent involved at the cave but path and handrails all the way. the Smoo Cave Hotel sign and is clearly sign posted. Start from the car park for Smoo Cave, east of Durness, just past the Youth Hostel, where there are toilets and a picnic area. Please consider setting up a direct debit donation to help support the continued maintenance and updates to Walkhighlands. Scotland is under national lockdown. Go through the gate and keep following the track as it heads inland over heather moorland. A short walk gets you to the cave. Start/parking Smoo Cave public car park on A838 Durness to Tongue road a mile south-east of Durness. Looking towards the mouth of the inlet containing the Smoo Cave Anyways, once we parked the car, we then walked down a series of steps leading from the cliff tops down to … The route along the course of ' Allt Smoo.' At the next junction keep right and soon the Allt Smoo is crossed on stepping stones and the track from Loch Meadaidh is reached. GR: NC 418670. The walk is about 1.3 miles long with little elevation gain. 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. The caves are carved naturally on the sea cliffs and you can use the stairs to go up to the cave. 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. Smoo Cave: Smoo cave walk - See 1,119 traveller reviews, 1,056 candid photos, and great deals for Durness, UK, at Tripadvisor. Steps to Smoo Cave then gravel track, and road with pavement. Ancient stories tell of a gateway to the faerie world, guarded by spirits and located inside this enigmatic cave. We spent about an hour, at the cave. 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. 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. We spent about an hour, at the cave. Share. Arriving at a gate continue and make for the saddle between Beinn Ceannabeinne and Meal Meadhonach. 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. To the right Loch Meadaidh can be seen. … Artifacts from the Norse, Neolithic, and Iron Ages have been found in the cave’s main chamber. Steps to Smoo Cave then gravel track, and road with pavement. Starting at the Smoo Cave visitor parking lot, you will make your way to the trail head and hike down the Scottish coast line towards the mouth of the cave. The cave boasts one of the largest entrances to any sea cave … 15. Personally, I have not done this walk, but you can find details here. Grading Easy walking suitable for all abilities and ages. Durness is also home to Smoo Cave, formed by a combination of the sea and a small burn. Follow the burn to the left to a path. Joel Pérez Martínez reviewed Smoo Cave and Bhlar Duibhe. Unfortunately, there was no guide available on that day, which would have added insight into the history of the cave. Well worth the walk down to the Smoo Caves and then around the headland back to the car park. Sep 17, 2019 - Walk this way to Smoo Cave! - See 1,111 traveler reviews, 1,027 candid photos, and great deals for Durness, UK, at Tripadvisor. It is both a freshwater and sea cave, which has been formed along two geological lines of … The name Smoo is thought to be derived from the Norse word "smjugg" meaning hole creek or cleft. Helpful. A steep walk down either by a path or steps but worth it for the views inside and waterfall. Smoo Cave: Lovely little walk - See 1,119 traveller reviews, 1,056 candid photos, and great deals for Durness, UK, at Tripadvisor. 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 ★★★★ Off the A838 1 mi east of Durness, G.R. Iza Wright reviewed Prince Charlie's Cave from Elgol. Flat walks to varying gradients and from short to any length of distance are available from right outside the Smoo Cave Hotel. The Walk. The trail is primarily used for hiking and nature trips. 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. 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. The third chamber is only accessible by taking the boat trip - details can be found on the board at the top. When I visited it, it was january so I couldn't go on the boat trip. Smoo Cave: Large cave and coastal walk. 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. Great stop off a Smoo Cave. -This is a private tour of 3 days that will be customised around you. Map OS Landranger sheet 9. 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. - See 1,098 traveller reviews, 1,010 candid photos, and great deals for Durness, UK, at Tripadvisor. Very easy to get to (several steps down to get to it). The nearest stations to Smoo Cave are: Smoo Cave, Leirinmore is 85 meters away, 2 min walk. The rough track climbs gently over landscape typical of this part of Sutherland, wide moorlands interspersed with steep mountains and watery lochans. 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. Distance 3 miles/5km (Smoo Cave circuit to Sango Bay and return to Smoo car park). Smoo Cave car park. First to Review. -This is a private tour of 3 days that will be customised around you. Take the steps down from behind the toilet block that descend into the deep geo or sea inlet - Geodha Smoo. using a map and compass. Smoo Cave, Leirinmore: 2 min walk: Bus lines to Smoo Cave in Highland. Southend has a host of historical attractions as well as fine beaches; this walk attempts to link them all. What are the nearest stations to Smoo Cave? 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. There are some steep stairs to climb down initially to get to the cave and there’s also a nice little beach area. We spent about an hour, at the cave. Pulled up here anticipating spending the night and eating dinner in the pub. It is amazing to think that hundreds of years ago people inhabited these caves. Smoo Cave: Well worth the walk. Smoo Cave: Nice walk from campsite - See 1,119 traveller reviews, 1,056 candid photos, and great deals for Durness, UK, at Tripadvisor. Soon take a track on the right signed for Bhlar Duibhe and passing a newly built house on the left. Carpark had no view and was sloping but close to Smoo Cave to walk within 15 minutes. Inner cave tour: daily, April to September | First part of cave: free. Wandern. Date of experience: October 2020. Cave At the eastern end of the extended village of Durnessis the car park for Smoo Cave. Unfortunately, there was no guide available on that day, which would have added insight into the history of the cave. It was amazing. 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’. 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. Durness is also home to Smoo Cave, formed by a combination of the sea and a small burn. Legend even has it that the cave is home to the spirits who guard the entrance to the netherworld. Gentle 15minute walk to and from cave. The Walk. When the track reaches the junction with the Bealach Track turn right and head slightly downhill following a stream. Through the Smoo cave, water of Allt Smoo also drops as a 20 metres long waterfall. Fantastic cave formed by water erosion! 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. The legends of Smoo Cave. Have you found an error or is any information wrong or missing? The caves are carved naturally on the sea cliffs and you can use the stairs to go up to the cave. Bus service to Durness and Lairg, stops near Smoo Cave car park. Smoo Cave has an amazing history linking Vikings to this coastal fishing community and is able to offer guided tours in peak season. As things stand at the moment Smoo Cave Tours, Thanks to everyone for their generous donations on our Just Giving page. Should you wish to venture further inside and learn about the natural and human history of the cave, then you can join us for a tour. Distance 3 miles/5km (Smoo Cave circuit to Sango Bay and return to Smoo car park). 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. 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. Inner cave tour: £6 adult / £3 child From the car park, steps descend 30 metres or so to the cave entrance. Follow the burn to the left to a path. 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. The walk is about 1.3 miles long with little elevation gain. Where Is Smoo Cave? And the main chamber’s blowhole is said to be the scene of several murders in the 16th century, when a Scottish highwayman tossed his enemies into it. Oktober 2020. Start/parking Smoo Cave public car park on A838 Durness to Tongue road a mile south-east of Durness. We walked to Smoo Cave from the campsite we were staying at. Alternatively a longer route can be chosen by following the Meadaidh route, taking the turning towards the hills across the Allt Smoo burn just before reaching Loch Meadaidh. Take the steps down from behind the toilet block that descend into the deep geo or sea inlet - Geodha Smoo. GR: NC 418670. 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. Keep following the road, passing the entrance to the landfill site on the right and the road which leads to the Smoo Cave Hotel on the left. The cave name is thought to originate from the Norse 'smjugg' or 'smuga', meaning a hole or hiding-place. Smoo Cave is accessible 365 days a year, with public access over a walkway into the waterfall chamber, is free of charge. 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. There is also a circular walking path from here. Chris H … Length 5.4 mi Elevation gain 711 ft Route type Out & Back Hiking Nature trips Cave Views Wild flowers Take the steps down from behind the toilet block that descend into the deep geo or sea inlet - Geodha Smoo. The cave is open, you'll be able to walk through and see the waterfall cascading into the second chamber, see the deadly Scottish piranhas feeding and, To get up to date info on whether the tours are running call 01971 511492 , which is updated each morning at 9.30 am. Line Name: Direction: 803: Thurso: 806: Lairg: Questions & Answers. Smoo Cave is found about 1 mile east of the village Durness (which is the most northwestern village on the British mainland). If you don't mind stairs, it is a short walk and easy and safe to access. Very well thought out for visitors making it easy to access and explore. You can visit the Smoo Caves at any time of the day, with the main cave remaining open to the public 24-7. Smoo Cave and Bhlar Duibhe is a 5.4 mile out and back trail located near Kinlochbervie, Highland, Scotland that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. We ascended the steps to the other side of the cave and took a walk along the top of the stunning cliffs. Ideal for … The cave system is 200 feet long, 130 feet wide and stretches 50 feet high at the gaping main entrance. 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. 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. 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. Smoo is a word of Norse origin, meaning cleft, or hole. The name “Smoo” comes from the Old Norse Smuga which means […] Unfortunately, there was no guide available on that day, which would have added insight into the history of the cave. Smoo Cave in the far northern Highlands is arguably one of – if not the – most impressive natural wonders in Scotland.. ... We attempted the cave walk today after finding it on all trails. Smoo Cave bridge over stream. People are asked to stay at home except for essential purposes. Smoo Cave . The rain had been heavy so the water was rushing through the cave as we entered. Visited Smoo cave, while driving the northern most section of the North Coast 500. WALK FACTS. The path down is quite steep, so bear in mind for the return walk back up! 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. The cave entrance itself is impressive, and is one of … Next stop: Smoo Cave, large seawater and also a freshwater cave near Durness. : NC 419671 ///neck.lamplight.raft First part of cave is always open. WALK FACTS. 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. 23. Next stop: Smoo Cave, large seawater and also a freshwater cave near Durness. 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. 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 track makes for easy walking, if a little arduous, as it is all uphill! In the cave, you can walk a pathway and see a waterfall but also as mentioned above have a tour further in. Good walking and spectacular caves An interesting place to visit seeing the spectacular caves. There is parking at smoo cave and it has good signs for direction. The second chamber is accessible on a a wooden walkway and is smaller but still impressive. 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. Visited Smoo cave, while driving the northern most section of the North Coast 500. Definitely worth a visit if you are in the area or doing NC500. Read more. Smoo Cave in the far northern Highlands is arguably one of – if not the – most impressive natural wonders in Scotland.. It takes approx 10 minutes to walk from … - See 1,119 traveler reviews, 1,056 candid photos, and great deals for Durness, UK, at Tripadvisor. Open start point in Google Maps for directions. The cave was formed along the boundary between two types of rock, the Sangomore Formation and the Sailmhor Formation. We had a lovely walk down the steps and into the cave. Smoo Cave: Nice walk from campsite - See 1,096 traveler reviews, 1,009 candid photos, and great deals for Durness, UK, at Tripadvisor. Read more. 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. 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. Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. The waterfall, though, was really impressive and powerfull. Information is provided free of charge; it is each walker's responsibility to check it and navigate 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. Great shot from @glasgowdave of this hidden gem of the Highlands #SmooCave #Durness #Sutherland #Highlands… 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 … It was so boggy it took us twice as long to get there. Smoo Cave: Nice cave and awesome walk - See 1,117 traveller reviews, 1,046 candid photos, and great deals for Durness, UK, at Tripadvisor. Turn right to cross a walkway and visit Smoo Cave. Started our day with a quick walk to this cave. I will be in the cave daily from 10am till late to answer any questions you have about the cave. Map OS Landranger sheet 9. Smoo Cave is fully accessible 365 days a year public access with a walkway into the waterfall chamber, free of charge. Through the Smoo cave, water of Allt Smoo also drops as a 20 metres long waterfall. 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. This dramatic and spectacular sea cave is set into the limestone cliffs in Sutherland. But the story of Smoo Cave goes back much further than Raleigh’s visit. It is a dramatic location and on the only primary road in the area, the A838 Durness to Tongue. Grading Easy walking suitable for all abilities and ages. Open start point in Google Maps for directions. 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’. Primarily used for hiking and nature trips is also home to Smoo cave you... Are carved naturally on the sea cliffs and you can walk over blowhole. Track turn right and soon the Allt Smoo also drops as a 20 metres waterfall! Photos, and great deals for Durness, on Scotland 's most northerly.... 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