Smoo Cave and Durness Coastal Path

Smoo Cave cuts into a limestone headland just east of Durness and contains the largest natural sea cave entrance in Britain, a vaulted chamber 40 metres wide and 15 metres high. An inner chamber, reached by a short boardwalk, receives the Allt Smoo burn through a hole in the cave roof in a dramatic waterfall when water levels are high. The cave has been occupied since the Mesolithic period and its history includes a disputed association with Norse settlers. The wider coastal walk from the cave follows the cliff tops east and west through limestone grassland and sea-facing moorland.

This is a dog friendly walk suited to most abilities and most dogs. The cliff-top sections above the cave offer good off-lead time on open, unfenced grassland with views across Loch Eriboll and towards Orkney on clear days. The cave interior can be explored on foot and most dogs negotiate the boardwalk without difficulty. A short boat trip into the inner cave is available in season but is not appropriate for most dogs. The village of Durness a kilometre away provides all necessary facilities including a café, toilets and visitor information. The Far North coastline around Durness is worth exploring further as part of the North Coast 500 route.