Beautiful and popular walk in a limestone valley to the dramatic bone caves. These cave openings part way up a steep side of the valley are where the remains have been found of species such as lynx, reindeer and polar bear which once roamed here.
Summary
Straightfoward walk on a clear path which is narrow and steep at times near the caves. The insides of the caves themselves can be wet and slippery.
Terrain
NC254179
Grid ref
4.5km/2.75 miles
Distance
Grade
Car park on the A837 between Elphin and Inchnadamph
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1. From the car park go through the gate and follow the path past the building and along the side of the Allt nan Uamh. Soon the path passes a pretty waterfall and then climbs gradually as it follows the river upstream.
2. As the valley narrows the path passes a very large spring on the left where an underground watercourse flows out from near the base of a crag. Such large streams appearing from nowhere are characteristic of limestone country; there is another by the bed of the stream a short distance further on. Above this, the river bed is completely dry in normal conditions.
3. Soon the caves become visible on the steep cliff on the far side of the now dry river. When the junction is reached with the path coming down from the caves, stay on the left side of the river bed and continue on the path up the valley. From here there is a good view across to the cave entrances.
4. The caves were excavated in 1889 by the geologists Peach and Horne. They found the remains of animals which once roamed the Highlands including lynx, polar bear, arctic fox and lemmings. It is believed that the caves may have once sheltered these animals and also the humans who hunted them. To reach the caves continue along the valley until the path crosses the river bed to go up a dry valley to the right of the main valley. A pitched path climbs gently until a clear turn to the right is met where the path double backs to start climbing diagonally towards the caves. The path here is clear but narrow at times and care may be needed in wet conditions.
5. Soon the cave entrances are reached. Each cave can be explored with care, small children can even pass through an opening between the two middle caves which is found near the entrance – take care as there are other small entrances leading nowhere. To return take the path leading to the left down from the caves. There is a short steep section and then the path becomes gentler and easy to follow. It soon crosses the river bed and rejoins the outward route.
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