A vast coastal cave system near Durness in Sutherland, accessible by a short walk and boat trip inside the cave
Smoo Cave is a large natural cave system cut into the limestone cliffs at Durness on the far northwest coast of Sutherland, within Scotland's most remote populated area. The cave's name derives from the Norse 'smjugg' meaning a hiding place or narrow cleft. The outer chamber, approximately 60 metres wide and 40 metres deep, is the largest sea cave entrance in Britain, formed by the combined action of seawater erosion along the base of the limestone cliff and freshwater dissolution from above. The Allt Smoo burn enters the cave through a hole in the vault 18 metres above the floor, creating a dramatic waterfall visible from the outer chamber; after heavy rain this fall can be spectacular. An inner chamber beyond the main cavern contains a tidal pool and geological formations. Boat tours depart from within the outer cave during summer to explore the inner chambers and the subterranean waterfall — these are the only way to access the deeper areas. The boat tour takes approximately 20 minutes and runs subject to water level conditions. The cave is accessible from the cliff-top car park via a steep wooden staircase descending to the beach. The surrounding coastline at Durness is one of Scotland's most beautiful, with white sand beaches, turquoise water, and views across the Kyle of Durness toward Cape Wrath, Britain's most northwesterly point. The village of Durness, 2 kilometres from the cave, has basic facilities and is a natural stopping point on the North Coast 500 route.
Highlights
- Outer sea cave chamber — the largest sea cave entrance in Britain
- Inner chamber waterfall visible from the main cavern
- Guided boat tours through the cave interior
- Durness coastline with white sand beaches and turquoise water
- Proximity to Cape Wrath, Britain's most northwesterly headland
Tips for visiting
- Boat tours into the inner chambers run subject to water levels; arrive early and book on-site as spaces are limited
- The steep wooden staircase to the cave requires sure-footing and is unsuitable for pushchairs
- Combine with a visit to Balnakeil Beach, one of Scotland's most beautiful, 2km from the cave
- The North Coast 500 route passes through Durness; Smoo Cave is a highlight of the western section
- Visit on a calm day for the best boat tour conditions and inner cave access
When to visit
Summer (May to September) is the only practical time for boat tours into the inner chambers. The cave itself is dramatic in wet weather when the Allt Smoo waterfall is in full flow, though this typically precludes boat tours. Early morning visits avoid the tourist coaches that arrive mid-morning in peak season.
Accessibility
The outer cave is reached via a steep wooden staircase descending the cliff face, which is not accessible to wheelchair users or those with limited mobility. The cave floor of the outer chamber is level and relatively spacious once descended. Boat tour access requires stepping into a low boat unaided.
Frequently asked questions
Are boat tours into Smoo Cave always available?
No, boat tours are weather and water-level dependent. After heavy rain the cave floor floods and tours are suspended. Tours typically run April to September and are bookable on-site for a small charge.
How accessible is Smoo Cave?
The outer chamber is reached by a steep wooden staircase from the car park and is not wheelchair accessible. The cave floor in the outer chamber is level once descended. Boat tours have a low-sided boat requiring an unaided step aboard.
Is Smoo Cave on the North Coast 500?
Yes, Smoo Cave is one of the signature stops on the North Coast 500 route. Durness is approximately 3 hours' drive from Inverness via Tongue, or 2.5 hours from Ullapool via the coast road.