Walking

Walks of all types, for all ages and all capabilities of walker, anything from dramatic cliffs and vast stunning yet deserted sandy beaches giving way to wide open moorlands with shimmering lochans, towered over by mesmerising mountains.

Flat walks to varying gradients and from short to any length of distance are available from right outside the Smoo Cave Hotel.

Come and explore the majesty which these parts of the Scottish Highlands can offer, northwest Sutherland is one of the least populated areas and has the most breathtakingly beautiful landscapes.

If you are walking the NC500 you might also consider Basecamping  at the Smoo Cave Hotel or dropping-in for some sustenance, refreshments, a snack or a hearty meal.

For guest already staying, by arrangement, a ‘piece’ (a Scottish word for a sandwich) can be made-up for a cycling lunch together with a snack and a drink, of your choice and on returning you may want to enjoy a well earned hearty meal, in the Summer take-in the sun-set or northern lights and in the Winter rest-up by the fire with a wee dram.

If you have any equipment like boots, sticks and rucksacks these can be stored securely overnight or whilst taking refreshments.

On a bad day, when the weather gets to you, ask our staff where to change or dry your clothes and for residents, in an emergency we can help with washing and drying. We can also lend you a bucket and sponge if your equipment needs a clean.

If you are thinking of walking anywhere, as some local estates have seasonal stalking and Cape Wrath has a live firing range, also check in case any of these are in progress before you go to these areas.

Some local walks
Durness Walking Network
West Ferry Point to Cape Wrath  17.7km
Sandwood Bay
Ceannabeinne Township Trail  1km/45 minutes
Kyle of Durness Circuit  9km/2.5 - 4 hours
Faraid Head  6.5km/1.5 - 2 hours
North Highland Way  241km
The Cape Wrath Trail  376km
Sutherland Walks
Bothy: Kearvaig
Bothy: Strabeg
Ben Stack
Ben Loyal
Ben Hope
Corbett Arkle
Corbett Foinaven

We encourage you to pay attention to the Outdoor Access Code and take the upmost care especially if you are venturing anywhere near sea cliffs or indeed when climbing a mountain.

If you are driving whether in a car, towing a caravan, in motorhome, in camper-van or on a motorbike or bicycle please pay attention and obey the Highway Code, road safety and vehicle rules. Equally remember to drive on the LEFT, keep your speed down and that you observe the 'single track road' etiquette of using passing places to let other vehicles pass and that groups of bicyclists do not bunch-up together too much, making passing impossible. Please also do not park in passing places nor obstruct roads and gates.

This is a special place, respect others wishing to use the area at the same time.