Smoo Cave Review: History & Visitor Guide

Smoo Cave was top of my list of things to do on the NC500 route and it didn’t disappoint. Unfortunately, the weather was bad so the boat tours were not running which is such a shame!

Still, I think it’s definitely worth visiting and I still enjoyed seeing the waterfall from the viewing platform. Word of warning, you will get sprayed quite heavily from the waterfall! We watched for just 30 seconds and were soaked.

We walked down to the cave from the staircase closest to the car park, but I recommend walking back up using the staircase adjacent to get great views of the cave from a better vantage point (you can still reach the car park easily from the other side).

I also recommend visiting Durness Beach which is just a few minutes drive from Smoo Cave. It’s a very picturesque beach to take photos of with the huge rocks and small bridge. When you park at Durness Village Car Park (closest car park to Durness Beach), you can also stop for a bite to eat at Cheese n Toasted which was voted best quick bite on the NC500. It was very busy both times we walked past!

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My Photos of Smoo Cave

These photos are free to use, all I ask is you link back to this page as credit.

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History of Smoo Cave

Smoo Cave is a dramatic sea and freshwater cave located near Durness, in the far northwest of Scotland. Its name likely derives from the Old Norse smuga, meaning “hiding place” or “hole,” though some suggest a Gaelic origin from smùid, meaning “spray.” The cave has been shaped over thousands of years by both marine erosion and rainwater dissolution, making it unique in the UK.

The outer chamber was carved by the sea, while the inner chambers were formed by freshwater from the Allt Smoo stream, which still flows into the cave via a 20-metre waterfall. Archaeological finds suggest human activity dating back to the Neolithic, Iron Age, and Norse periods, with evidence of fishing, boat repair, and seasonal habitation. The cave was also linked to smugglers, Viking legends, and even murderous folklore, including tales of 17th-century highwayman Donald McMurdo, who allegedly threw victims into the blowhole.

Today, Smoo Cave is a highlight of the North Coast 500 route and one of Scotland’s most atmospheric natural wonders.

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10 Interesting Facts About Smoo Cave

1. It has the largest sea cave entrance in Britain — 40 metres wide and 15 metres high.
2. The cave is formed by two geological processes: sea erosion and freshwater dissolution.
3. The Allt Smoo waterfall drops into the cave through a sinkhole — active only after heavy rain.
4. The cave is over 83 metres long, with three main chambers and a hidden sump.
5. Archaeological digs uncovered Norse artifacts, Iron Age middens, and Neolithic pottery.
6. The cave was once part of a larger system — the collapsed Geodha Smoo gorge was its roof.
7. Sir Walter Scott visited in 1814 and described it as a fitting home for a water kelpie.
8. The cave’s third chamber is accessible only by boat during guided tours.
9. Dye tracing has shown the cave system is twice as long as previously thought.
10. Local legend claims the cave is a gateway to the faerie world — or the Devil’s domain.

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Things to See and Do at Smoo Cave

• Walk to the Cave Entrance
  Descend via a steep path and footbridge to reach the dramatic sea cave opening.
• Explore the Main Chamber
  Admire the vast cavern and limestone formations — free to access year-round.
• See the Waterfall Chamber
  Follow the wooden walkway to view the 20-metre cascade plunging into a deep pool.
• Take a Guided Boat Tour
  Hop aboard a dinghy to explore the third chamber and learn about the cave’s geology and legends.
• Spot the Blowhole
  Peer into the sinkhole above the cave — the source of the waterfall and site of local folklore.
• Visit Geodha Smoo Gorge
  Walk the surrounding gorge to see remnants of the collapsed cave roof and tidal formations.
• Enjoy the Coastal Views
  Look out over the cliffs and turquoise waters of Sango Bay and Loch Eriboll.
• Join a Ranger Talk
  Learn about the cave’s geology, wildlife, and archaeological significance from Highland Council guides.
• Photograph the Cave at Sunset
  Capture golden light spilling into the entrance — especially stunning in summer.
• Combine with NC500 Attractions
  Pair your visit with Balnakeil Beach, Cape Wrath, or Loch Stack for a full Highland itinerary.

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Practical Information for Visiting Smoo Cave

• Location: Durness, Sutherland, IV27 4QA, Scotland
• Opening Times:
  • Cave entrance: Open year-round, 24/7
  • Boat tours: April–October, weather permitting (check daily updates)
• Entry Fees:
  • Cave entrance: Free
  • Guided boat tour: Adults £15 / Children £5 (cash only)
• Recommended Visit Duration: 45–90 minutes
  (Allow extra time for boat tour or coastal walks)
• Tickets:
  • No advance booking; tours are first-come, weather-dependent
  • Smoo Cave Tours – What to Expect
• Parking:
  • Free car park above the cave; coach parking available
• Accessibility:
  • Steep paths and steps; not suitable for wheelchairs
  • Protective headgear provided for boat tours
• Dogs:
  • Allowed on paths and viewing areas; not permitted on boat tours
• Food & Drink:
  • Nearby cafés and shops in Durness village
• Toilets:
  • Public toilets at car park
• Transport:
  • Car: Via A838 on North Coast 500
  • Bus: Seasonal services from Inverness, Lairg, and Ullapool
• Nearby: Balnakeil Church & Beach, Cape Wrath, Loch Eriboll, Sango Sands

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