Smoo Cave loop

The trail commonly begins from the car park situated directly above Smoo Cave. This car park provides convenient access to the path leading down to the cave entrance.

The terrain is quite varied. The initial path down to Smoo Cave involves steep and uneven steps. Beyond the cave, you'll encounter gravel tracks, moorland paths, and potentially short sections of paved road. Clifftop sections offer rougher ground but provide stunning coastal views. Appropriate footwear is highly recommended due to the potentially rough and uneven paths.

The overall difficulty of this 9.6 km loop is rated as moderate. While the main chamber of Smoo Cave is freely accessible, the steps leading down to and up from the cave can be steep and may not be suitable for individuals with mobility issues. Longer sections of the loop require good fitness and sure-footedness. Families with younger children or those seeking an easier experience might consider shorter walks around the cave area rather than the full loop.

Yes, the Smoo Cave loop is generally dog-friendly. However, due to the presence of livestock on moorland sections and for the safety of your pet and other visitors, dogs should be kept on a leash, especially around the cave and on clifftop paths.

The primary highlight is Smoo Cave itself, known for its massive entrance and dramatic waterfall. You'll also pass Smoo Cave and Geodha Smoo, a rocky path across the Allt Smoo stream, and enjoy panoramic vistas from View of Loch Caladail and View of Sango Sands Beach.

Smoo Cave is unique in Britain for its formation by both sea and freshwater erosion. It boasts one of the largest sea cave entrances in Britain, measuring 40 meters wide and 15 meters high. Inside, a dramatic 25-meter waterfall plunges into an 8-meter deep pool. The cave also has historical significance, with archaeological findings suggesting human presence dating back thousands of years.

The best time to hike is generally during the summer months, from April to October, when the weather is milder and guided boat tours to the deeper chambers of Smoo Cave are available. However, the main chamber is freely accessible all year round. Be prepared for potentially rough weather conditions typical of the Scottish Highlands regardless of the season.

No, you do not need a permit, and there is no entrance fee to access the main chamber of Smoo Cave or to hike the surrounding loop trail. Guided boat tours into the deeper chambers during summer months may have a separate charge.

The main chamber of Smoo Cave is freely accessible to the public all year round. During summer months (April to October), guided boat tours are available, offering access to a third, deeper chamber that is otherwise inaccessible, allowing you to explore more geological features.

Yes, approximately 32% of this route also follows sections of the Great North Trail (Cape Wrath).

While the immediate trailhead is primarily a car park, the nearby village of Durness, a short distance from Smoo Cave, offers amenities such as cafes, pubs, and accommodation options.