5 reasons you must visit Smoo Cave in the Highlands

Smoo Cave is an unusual combined sea cave and freshwater cave located on the edge of Durness in Scotland, which is the most north westerly village on the British mainland.

The cave boasts one of Britain’s biggest sea cave entrances at 50 feet (15 metres high) and it also includes three chambers. The first chamber was formed by the action of the sea but the inner chambers are freshwater formations from rainwater.

This is a captivating and popular attraction that offers enticing things to see and do. Plus, there are a number of other great attractions nearby, making it possible to enjoy a fantastic day of exploring and discovery in Scotland. Here are 5 reasons to visit…

Discover the wondrous waterfall

After viewing the impressive cave entrance and main chamber, you can make your way to the second chamber via a footbridge over the Allt Smoo River which runs through the cave. The river enters the cave in the second chamber via a 20m waterfall, and this roaring and vibrant natural attraction is a magnificent sight to see.

Explore further with a boat trip

In order to access the third chamber in the cave you must take a short boat trip in order to cross the pool located in front of the waterfall, before continuing on foot and exploring the third chamber courtesy of a short guided tour. The boat trip gives you access to deeper parts of the cave and are conducted by a very knowledgeable guide – well worth the small fee.

Keep an eye out for the local wildlife

A visit to the cave is a good opportunity to see not only the cave itself but also perhaps spot some of the wildlife in the area. There is a variety of wildlife that lives in and near to the cave such as Rock Doves, Starlings, Wrens, badgers, rabbits and grey seals.

Lose yourself in local legends

It is not just the natural splendour of Smoo Cave that makes it enticing. The cave is associated with several legends that are sure to intrigue curious visitors.

One such tale claims that Donald Mackay, the first Lord of Reay and the Chief of Clan Mackay, had frustrated the Devil by tricking him on several occasions. Knowing Mackay was on a visit to Durness, the Devil lay in wait for him in Smoo Cave. Though Mackay was intent on visiting the cave before dawn, he sent his dog in before him and the dog came running out hairless and howling. This caused Mackay to pause, during which time the sun came out and left the Devil powerless. It is claimed the three holes in the cave roof are a result of the Devil leaving the cave.

Other legends associated with the cave include that of highway man McMurdo (whose tomb can be seen at Balnakeil Church) who murdered people by tossing them down the cave’s blowhole. Residents of Durness also reputedly used the cave to defeat the raiding Clan Gunn by luring the raiders into the cave and subsequently killing them.

Two Inland Revenue officers were also led into the cave while looking for illegal stills under the impression that distilling took place within the cave chambers. However, the person who rowed the boat within the cave deliberately capsized the boat while the river was in flood and swam to safety while the two officers were drowned in the rough waters. It is claimed that a ghost of one of the men is seen sometimes in the waterfall foam when the river is flooding.

Soak up the beauty and culture of the surrounding area

In addition to exploring the cave, there are lots of other great attractions nearby. Explorers will want to visit Cape Wrath which is the most north westerly point on the British mainland. This is a wild, remote and beautiful part of Scotland and there is a lighthouse and a café at the cape.

Beach lovers are in for a real treat with the fantastic beaches on offer at Durness and the surrounding area: try Balnakeil Beach, Ceannabeinne Beach and Sango Bay which boast extensive stretches of sand and beautiful views.

For a real treat take a visit to Sandwood Bay. The bay can only be reached on foot but the effort is well-rewarded with the gorgeous beach which is considered one of the best in the UK.

Balnakeil Craft Village is well worth exploring. The village is home to a number of artists and craftspeople who create a variety of objects including paintings, instruments, ceramics and leatherwork to name a few. You can also stop by the ruins of the 17th century Balnakeil Church which is built on the site of a Celtic monastery established in the 8th century.

Visiting Smoo Cave

There is no entry fee to visit Smoo Cave, although there is a small charge for people who want to take a boat trip in the cave. Parking and toilet facilities are available and visitors can explore the cave at any time throughout the year.

Anyone who wants to be wowed by nature should make time for a trip to Smoo Cave and the surrounding area - this is an excellent way to explore the incredible natural beauty of the north-west Highlands of Scotland.