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All the United Kingdom Scotland Durness Smoo Cave

Smoo Cave

A sea cave with a waterfall and Viking past

Durness, Scotland

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rachaelcosta
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Smoo Cave interior.   rachaelcosta / Atlas Obscura User
Smoo Cave interior.   rachaelcosta / Atlas Obscura User
  tomallen294 / Atlas Obscura User
Smoo Cave entrance.   rachaelcosta / Atlas Obscura User
Smoo Cave bridge over stream.   rachaelcosta / Atlas Obscura User
The trail into the valley   KenJ / Atlas Obscura User
Waterfall   KenJ / Atlas Obscura User
the skylight   KenJ / Atlas Obscura User
  carlozuccaro / Atlas Obscura User
  rbenn250 / Atlas Obscura User
Looking in to the blow hole   katielou106 / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Located on the rugged northern coast of Scotland, Smoo Cave is unique because it features a rushing waterfall and large skylight. The cave was formed by both sea and freshwater erosion, creating multiple caverns that then joined together, though some collapsed and formed a narrow canyon to the ocean. A quick trip down the stairway and over a bridge leads visitors to the mouth of the cave and another small bridge in the cave takes you to the waterfall. 

Neolithic, Norse, and Iron Age artifacts have been found in the cave and it is thought to have been used as far back as the Mesolithic age. The name, Smoo, is believed to have come from the Norse term "smjugg" or "smuga," which means "hole" or "hiding place." The site has been used up to recent times, as witnessed by the metal winch at the base of the stairs, which was used to haul boats above the high water mark where they could be repaired.Just beyond the hill is the scenic Sango Beach. On a nice day, the views from all around beg for shutter clicks. 

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Caves Geology Ecosystems

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There's a small parking lot with a toilet available. There is a staircase/trail down that is well maintained. If you don't mind stairs, it is a short walk and easy and safe to access.

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Added By

rachaelcosta

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KenJ, rbenn250, tomallen294, katielou106...

  • KenJ
  • rbenn250
  • tomallen294
  • katielou106
  • carlozuccaro

Published

March 9, 2017

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Smoo Cave
2010 A838
Durness, Scotland, IV27 4QA
United Kingdom
58.563718, -4.720498
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Nearby Places

Ard Neackie Lime Kilns

Heilam, Scotland

miles away

Moine House

Highland, Scotland

miles away

Cape Wrath

Keoldale, Scotland

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Scotland

Scotland

United Kingdom

Places 734
Stories 49

Nearby Places

Ard Neackie Lime Kilns

Heilam, Scotland

miles away

Moine House

Highland, Scotland

miles away

Cape Wrath

Keoldale, Scotland

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Scotland

Scotland

United Kingdom

Places 734
Stories 49

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