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
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Smoo Cave and Durness Coastal Path, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in HighlandsFrequently 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.
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