Smoo Cave Hotel

Business Details

Your Highland Retreat in Durness

Smoo Cave Hotel is a family-run establishment nestled in the heart of Durness, Sutherland, offering six tastefully appointed en-suite bedrooms, a restaurant serving local seafood and real ales, and a fully licensed bar with live music. Established to provide a warm, welcoming retreat, the hotel combines traditional crofting architecture with modern comforts, including free Wi-Fi, private parking, and seasonal entertainment. Located just off the A838 at Lerinmore, it serves as an ideal base for exploring Scotlands first UNESCO Global Geopark, Cape Wrath, and the North Coast 500 (NC500) route.

The hotel caters to both residents and visitors, offering flexible dining options, group accommodations, and a range of outdoor activities, including cycling, walking, and golf. Its commitment to preserving the regions natural beauty and providing authentic Highland experiences has made it a trusted choice for travelers seeking tranquility and adventure in one of Britains most remote and scenic locations.

Services

Accommodation Restaurant Bar Private Functions Bicycling Driving Golf Motorbiking Walking Entertainment

Highlights and features

We offer en-suite rooms with scenic views over Loch Eriboll.
Our restaurant serves locally sourced seafood and real ales year-round.
We provide secure bicycle storage and support for NC500 travelers.
Our bar features live music and a large-screen TV for sports.
We cater to private functions and group bookings with tailored service.

What people say

Scenic location Friendly staff Great base for NC500 Authentic Highland experience Secure bicycle storage

Website

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Services

Accommodation

Smoo Cave Hotel offers six en-suite bedrooms in a traditional crofting house, each with controlled heating, TV, and tea/coffee facilities. Upper-floor rooms provide panoramic views of Loch Eriboll and the North. The hotel caters to both short stays and extended 'Basecamping' for exploring the NC500 and local attractions. Reservations require check-in/check-out dates and room preferences via their contact form.

Restaurant

The hotels restaurant serves hot and cold snacks, meals, and breakfast via a food van for non-residents. Menus feature local seafood and real ales, available all day. The kitchen accommodates residents and visitors, with seasonal serving hours detailed on the news page. Special arrangements for group bookings and packed lunches are available upon request.

Bar

A fully licensed bar offers soft and alcoholic drinks, live music, and entertainment including darts, pool, and a fruit machine. A jukebox plays contemporary and classic tracks, while a large-screen TV broadcasts sports. The bar is open to residents and visitors, with private parking reserved for overnight guests.

Private Functions

The hotel hosts private functions and special occasions in a warm, scenic setting. Facilities include catering for coaches and small parties, with arrangements made via advance booking. The venue combines natural beauty with amenities like live music and seasonal entertainment, ideal for weddings, gatherings, or corporate events.

Outdoor Activities

Smoo Cave Hotel supports outdoor pursuits like cycling, walking, and golfing near Cape Wrath and the NC500. Amenities include secure bicycle storage, route planning advice, and proximity to trails such as the Cape Wrath Trail and North Highland Way. The hotel provides equipment storage, weather guidance, and local knowledge for exploring Sutherlands landscapes.

Questions

What amenities are included in Smoo Cave Hotel rooms?

Rooms include en-suite facilities, controlled heating, TV, tea/coffee making, and free Wi-Fi. Upper-floor rooms offer views of Loch Eriboll.

Does the hotel serve meals year-round?

Yes, the restaurant serves meals daily, with breakfast available via a food van for non-residents during summer.

Can I park my vehicle securely at the hotel?

Yes, private parking is available for residents, and visitors can park while dining. Secure bicycle storage is also provided.

What outdoor activities are accessible from the hotel?

Activities include cycling, walking trails (e.g., Cape Wrath Trail), golf, and exploring the NC500 route. Equipment storage and route advice are available.

How do I book a room at Smoo Cave Hotel?

Use the Contact Us form with check-in/check-out dates, room type, and guest numbers. Reservations require advance notice for group bookings.

Is the hotel accessible for large groups or events?

Yes, the hotel caters to coaches and small parties for private functions, with arrangements made via prior telephone booking.

Reviews (5)

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David Rodwell

Nov 02, 2021 Report

The hotel room, breakfast, evening meal was excellent . Also the staff were very friendly and helpful would highly recommend this place
Dave & Linda

Paul Smith

Oct 28, 2021 Report

Nice atmosphere, tidy and clean, "Non residents welcome", (because that's a thing in Scotland). A lot less expensive than many places that I've had a meal and a drink in around Scotland. Food was decent, hot, and served promptly (at least in my experience). Free WiFi for patrons. Reasonable parking facilities, off season at least (your mileage may vary during busier months).
Drinks are a little expensive, but frankly that's nothing new for Scotland.

Lindy Lunar Brooke

Oct 26, 2021 Report

This hotel is amazing ... The staff are so friendly and the food is yummy yum ... Highly recommended xx

Simon Barrow

Oct 17, 2021 Report

Given the circumstance around Covid and restrictions currently, all at the Smoo were welcoming, and extremely accommodating. Theres certainly a fine balance for residents and non residents and I think its fair to say the Smoo Cave team try to please all to the best of their abilities. Accommodation is spotless and the bar is great for a bite to eat of some really good home cooked food! (Recommend the steak pie!) Smoo Cave Hotel is a must for those visiting the area in need of food or those looking for a place to stay!

Zak Rafih

Oct 14, 2021 Report

Went for a meal after a long day of travelling. Service was amazing and the lady who was working the bar/floor was an absolute delight. The meal itself was substantial in size and tasted amazing. I had grilled haddock with potatoes and vegetables and my wife had the lasagna meal. Both were great and VERY reasonably priced. On the way out the lady who was working also offered us advice on local things to do and was as friendly as anyone could be. I wish we got her name so we could mention it here. Definitely recommend!