Traligill Caves, Inchnadamph

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This walk up the Traligill Glen visits the impressive entrances of the largest cave system in Scotland. The views of the surrounding mountains are excellent.

Terrain

Track and then a path; slightly wet for a short section. The caves are dangerous and should not be entered - and keep away from the edges of the pothole.

Public Transport

Infrequent bus from Inverness and Ullapool up to Durness. Traveline Scotland.

Start

Car park near Inchnadamph Hotel. Map and directions.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 7km / 4.5 miles
Time: 2 - 2.5 hours
Ascent: 242m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NC251216

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Park at the car park near the Inchnadamph Hotel. The walk begins a short distance further north along the road; follow the A837 over the bridge over the River Trallgill and then turn to the right onto a private track. This leads past the white-painted Manse - now an independent hostel and field centre - and heads through a gate with an interpretative board. Continue on the road which crosses the Allt Poll an Droighinn on a concrete bridge with a wooden footbridge alongside. You can then take the shortcut uphill to rejoin the main track after its zigzag.

Stage 2

Continue along the track to reach the isolated cottage of Glenbain. The route now levels off and the track becomes fainter and grassy (and boggy in places). Continue past an old shed; the high mountain of Conival is ahead. When the track (now really just a path) forks, take the right hand branch which leads to and crosses a footbridge over the river. The path now becomes dry again and climbs gently uphill. The caves are around five hundred metres further on - the first being prominent at the base of the low cliff seen ahead.

Stage 3

This impressive entrance is Uamh an Tartair - the cave of the roaring. The large opening reveals a waterslide with a river flowing from a pothole above (you can see the light from this) and leaving through the cavern to the right (where it ends in a sump). don't try to enter the cave as the ground is steep and slippery - this can be a dangerous place.

Stage 4

Follow the path a short distance to the left to find the second cave entrance - a more amenable cavern - the Uamh An Uisge or cave of the water. The water can't be seen but it can be heard - the large chamber is a dead-end, and progress - strictly for experienced cavers only - can only be made by crawling to the right under a section of low roof. Emerging from the cave note the fine view back down the valley and out to Loch Assynt and Quinag.

Stage 5

Ascend a little from this second cave and then head back above the level of the first cave to see the top entrance pot-hole. This is clearly very dangerous so keep well back from the entrance. Having explored the cave entrances, return to the footbridge over the river.

Stage 6

Before returning to Inchnadamph, you can visit one final cave. Follow a path along the river to the left to reach a large cliff where the river flows into a cavern. The gorge below this point is usually dry - in fact it seems to run slightly uphill at first. After viewing this final cave return to Inchnadamph by the outward route.

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