United Kingdom > Scotland > Highlands & Islands > The Northern Highlands Travel Guides > Natural Attractions

Smoo Cave

Be first to recommend
Sign In or Sign Up to
Be first to review
Sign In or Sign Up to

Best For

Sign In or Sign Up to

Contact Us

Smoo is the largest and most spectacular coastline cave in Britain. Set between limestone cliffs, Smoo Cave is quite large - 200 feet long, 130 feet wide, and 50 feet high at the entrance. This cave is geologically significant with a rich archaeological history, and abundant wildlife. Smoo Cave makes an unforgettable impression on all visitors and is a must see attraction for visitors to the area.

The Cave is located at the eastern edge of the village of Durness, one mile from the Durness Tourist Information Centre, on the northerly coastline of Scotland. The site has parking and toilet facilities. Drive about half a mile out of Durness on the road to Tongue, until you see a sign for Smoo Cave. There are steps leading down to the cave that can be accessed all year.

The cave has an eerie atmosphere and is linked to stories, likely based on some fact, of the cave being a smugglers' hideaway and Smoo is linked with tales of the supernatural.

Smoo Cave

Details

Further Information: Smoo Cave was formally believed to be the abode of spirits who guarded this entrance to the nether world. The first Lord of Reay (Donald Mackay, Chief of Clan Mackay) met with the Devil on several occasions and was able to get the better of him. The Prince of Darkness was none too pleased about this and followed Donald Mackay to Durness where he sought to waylay him in Smoo Cave. Lord Reay was heading for the cavern just before dawn but had the good fortune to send his dog into the blackness in front of him. When the animal came out howling and hairless the master of Reay realised what lay in store for him. He held back for a moment and in that moment the sun rose. In the light of day, the Devil was powerless and left through the roof of the cave leaving the three holes seen today.