Smoo Cave
Smoo Cave is one of Scotland's most remarkable natural wonders, a vast sea cave carved into the limestone cliffs near Durness on the far northwest coast. The cave's enormous entrance chamber - the largest of any sea cave in Britain - opens dramatically at the base of the cliffs, leading visitors into a cathedral-like space where the forces of sea and freshwater have combined to create something truly extraordinary.
What makes Smoo unique is the waterfall that plunges through a sinkhole in the cave roof, tumbling 20 metres into a second inner chamber. This collision of sea cave and river cave is exceptionally rare in geological terms. Boat tours venture into the inner chambers, revealing the full drama of the cascading water echoing through the darkness. Archaeological evidence shows humans have used the cave for at least 3,000 years.
The name Smoo comes from the Old Norse 'smuga', meaning a hole or hiding place - a reminder of the Viking heritage that permeates this corner of Scotland. A wooden walkway descends to the cave entrance, making it accessible without specialist equipment. The surrounding coastline offers spectacular clifftop walks and views across to the distant mountains of Sutherland.
What You Can Experience
- Explore the vast entrance chamber on foot
- Take a boat tour into the inner chambers
- See the waterfall plunging through the sinkhole
- Walk the clifftop paths with coastal views
- Learn about 3,000 years of human history
- Photograph the dramatic cave entrance
Best Time to Visit
The cave is accessible year-round, though boat tours into the inner chambers typically run from April to September. After heavy rain, the waterfall is at its most impressive, though tours may be suspended during flooding. Summer brings long daylight hours ideal for exploring the surrounding coastline.
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