Smoo Cave and Bhlar Duibhe

Explore Smoo Cave, a massive sea cave, and then head inland on a moorland track for a pleasant, fairly flat circuit, with a short section along a minor road with pavement.

Terrain

Steps to Smoo Cave then gravel track, and road with pavement.

Public Transport

Bus service to Durness and Lairg, stops near Smoo Cave car park. Traveline Scotland.

Start

Smoo Cave car park. Map and directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 6.75km / 4.25 miles
Time: 1.5 - 2 hours
Ascent: 125m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NC418671

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Start from the car park for Smoo Cave, east of Durness, just past the Youth Hostel, where there are toilets and a picnic area. Take the steps down from behind the toilet block that descend into the deep geo or sea inlet - Geodha Smoo.

Stage 2

Turn right to cross a walkway and visit Smoo Cave. The cave itself is formed from limestone and the first chamber measures 60 metres by 40 metres and is 15 metres high, making it Britain's biggest sea cave. The second chamber is accessible on a a wooden walkway and is smaller but still impressive. Here the Allt Smoo falls 25 metres into the cave through a opening in the ceiling - this forms an impressive blow hole during stormy seas.

Stage 3

The third chamber is only accessible by taking the boat trip - details can be found on the board at the top. Once you have explored the cave take the long sloping path up the other side and then at the top turn right to follow the path to the road, ignoring the small path which returns to the car park over the top of the cave. At the road turn left and cross the road to head uphill on the pavement.

Stage 4

Keep following the road, passing the entrance to the landfill site on the right and the road which leads to the Smoo Cave Hotel on the left. Soon take a track on the right signed for Bhlar Duibhe and passing a newly built house on the left. Go through the gate and keep following the track as it heads inland over heather moorland.

Stage 5

The rough track climbs gently over landscape typical of this part of Sutherland, wide moorlands interspersed with steep mountains and watery lochans. To the right Loch Meadaidh can be seen.

Stage 6

When the track reaches the junction with the Bealach Track turn right and head slightly downhill following a stream. At the next junction keep right and soon the Allt Smoo is crossed on stepping stones and the track from Loch Meadaidh is reached. Turn right here and follow this track until a gate leads to a surfaced road where you continue straight ahead until the main road. Turn right at the main road to follow the pavement past the Community Hall and the short distance back to the Smoo Cave car park.

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