Bone Caves circuit, near Inchnadamph

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Summary

This beautiful and popular walk leads up a limestone valley to visit the dramatic Bone Caves. These cave openings on a steep slope at the foot of a cliff have been excavated and were found to contain the remains of species such as lynx, reindeer and polar bear which once roamed the area.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

4.36667/5

Rating

Terrain

Clear path which is rough, narrow and steep at times near the caves. The insides of the caves themselves can be wet and slippery.

Public Transport

Very limited bus service from Ullapool.

Start

Car park on the A837 between Elphin and Inchnadamph. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 4.5km / 2.75 miles
Time: 1.5 - 2 hours
Ascent: 210m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NC254179

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (10)

Stage 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 above a lovely waterfall and then climbs gradually as it follows the river upstream.

Stage 2

As the valley narrows the path passes a very large spring on the left. This is the Fuaran Allt nan Uamh where an underground watercourse flows out from near the base of a crag. Such large burns appearing from nowhere are characteristic of limestone country; there is another by the bed of the burn a short distance further on. Above this, the river bed is completely dry in normal conditions.

Stage 3

Soon the caves become visible on the steep cliff on the far side of the now dry burn. When a junction is reached by a large marked boulder, take the right hand fork to head for the caves. This crosses the bed of the river and then climbs gently above the burn towards the base of Creag nan Uamh - the Crag of the Caves.

Stage 4

There's a narrow and steep section of path - signs warn of rockfall danger - to reach the base of the cliffs, with the various cave entrances on your right. 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.

Stage 5

Each cave can be explored with care, it is even possible to pass through an opening between the two middle caves which is found near the entrance - take great care as there are other small entrances that lead nowhere.

Stage 6

To continue the walk take the path that continues across the steep slope, now heading downhill, below the caves and crag. The path eventually descends to reach a tributary of the Allt nan Uamh glen. Follow the path left here to rejoin the main glen.

Stage 7

The path now heads left to return down the far side of the glen, giving good views back up to the caves. The outward route is rejoined at the fork by the boulder; continue ahead to retrace your steps back to the start.

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