Smoo Cave Hotel, Durness

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The Smoo Cave Hotel is in Leirinmore, just east of Durness, the most North Western village in the UK. The area has a population of about 350 which swells during the summer months. It is a remote area, and half the fun of staying there is getting there!

Of the two pubs in Durness, Smoo Cave Hotel has more "locals", with an open bar area, and a cosy "wee snug" with stove. Bottles of Orkney and Cairngorm beers are available all year round. Orkney Gold is also available on font dispense (keg).

Although remote, there are all the mod cons with internet connection throughout the hotel.

There is a limited bus service (see below), and a Scottish Youth Hostel 400 metres away. Its location makes it handy for exploring the rugged and breathtaking coastline and the local area, including Smoo Cave, an impressive and easily accessible massive cavern.

Walks on the vast Balnkell Bay beach and Sango Sands Bay will put a spring in your step. A trip to Cape Wrath HAS to be on everyone's bucket list, with the short ferry crossing and an hour in a minibus to cover the 11 miles to the lighthouse and Cape Wrath across a MOD controlled "live fire" range is an experience. Tongue is to the East.

Opens earlier for breakfast by arrangement, popular with those from the camping / caravan site in Durness. Very occasionally Smoo Cave Hotel is closed because of a private function, so best phone ahead.

Re bus transport check https://www.thedurnessbus.com/, phone 01971 511223 or mobile 07782 110007. The Far North Bus operates a regular bus service to Durness from:

803 Thurso from Durness Sats ONLY

804 Durness to Lairg Mon - Sat

805 Durness > Inverness > Durness Sats ONLY.

[Update 20 Oct 2024: No real ale and no hand pumps any more.]