Smoo Cave

The Smoo Caves are unique in the UK for having been formed by both rainwater and by seawater: the first chamber is a tidal gorge, while the inner chambers have been formed by freshwater erosion. They also contain the largest sea cave in Britain, the main chamber of which measures 120 ft wide and 45 ft high. The name ‘Smoo’ is thought to be derived from the Norse ‘smjugg’, meaning hole, creek or cleft. Aside from containing a huge salt water-formed cavern, the caves also include a waterfall; the Allt Smoo River flows through the roof of the cave system, down the Fallis Smoo (or chimney Smoo), before plummeting 80 ft to fill a 25 ft deep pool of water.