Smoo Cave and Durness Coastal Path
Highlands
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.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 4.5 km (2.8 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Coastal, Historic, Waterfall
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Moderate
- Livestock Risk
- Low
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Smoo Cave and Durness Coastal Path dog friendly?
Yes, Smoo Cave and the surrounding coastal path earn a solid 8 out of 10 for dog friendliness. The walk suits most abilities and most dogs, and the cave interior itself can be explored on foot with your dog alongside you. The village of Durness, about a kilometre away, has a café, toilets and visitor information if you need a break.
Can dogs be off lead at Smoo Cave and Durness Coastal Path?
The cliff-top sections above the cave offer good off-lead time on open, unfenced grassland, with views stretching across Loch Eriboll and towards Orkney on a clear day. Just be mindful of the cliff edges, particularly with dogs who range wide or move at pace.
What should I know before visiting Smoo Cave and Durness Coastal Path with my dog?
Most dogs handle the short boardwalk into the cave's inner chamber without difficulty, so it's well worth taking them in. One thing to be aware of: a seasonal boat trip into the inner cave is available but isn't suitable for most dogs, so that part of the experience may need to be skipped. The wider North Coast 500 route passes through Durness, making this a great stop if you're exploring the Far North coastline.
Visitor Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience.
What’s Nearby?
Walk1 mi awayCape Wrath Coastal Walk
Highlands
Total off-lead freedom across open moorland to 281-metre Atlantic cliffs at mainland Britain's northernmost corner, reached by a legendary ferry crossing into Scotland's last true wilderness.
Walk11.9 mi awaySandwood Bay from Blairmore
Highlands
A remote 9km moorland approach rewards with what many consider the finest beach in Britain, a 2km arc of pink sand framed by dramatic sea stacks and with virtually no human infrastructure whatsoever.
Walk21.6 mi awayHanda Island Ferry Walk
Highlands
A short ferry crossing unlocks one of Scotland's most important seabird reserves, with extraordinary cliff-top wildlife and a circular island walk; dogs are welcome but leads are required during nesting season.
Walk41 mi awayInverpolly Nature Reserve: Stac Pollaidh
Highlands
Stac Pollaidh's serrated sandstone ridge rises from flat Coigach moorland in one of Scotland's most distinctive shapes; the circular route offers outstanding off-lead moorland and big views across Assynt.
Walk58.3 mi awayCorrieshalloch Gorge and Falls of Measach
Highlands
A short, dramatic walk to one of Scotland's most impressive box canyons, where the Falls of Measach drop 46 metres into a gorge hung with ferns and mosses, viewed from a Victorian suspension bridge.
Walk62.6 mi awayBen Wyvis from Garbat
Highlands
The most prominent mountain on the Inverness skyline rewards a serious ascent with one of Scotland's longest summit plateaus and exceptional off-lead walking across open, livestock-free high ground.
