17 Best Caves in Scotland To Visit
Caves are probably the last thing you will associate with Scotland. There are so many interesting caves in Scotland that are worth exploring, complete with legends and wonderful stories of history.
Smoo Cave, Durness
Smoo Cave is located in Durness and is one of the most popular stops on the North Coast 500. The cave is one of the largest sea caves in Britain, the first chamber is 60 by 40 metres and is 15 metres high.
To get to the second chamber you have to walk on a wooden walkway. The second cave is smaller but it is just as impressive.
In the second cave, the Alt Smoo falls 25 metres through an opening in the ceiling. During stormy weather, this forms an impressive blowhole.
The construction of Smoo Cave is unique as it is believed to have been carved by seawater and freshwater. The seawater eroded the limestone to create the main chamber and the freshwater eroded the roof of the cave to create a waterfall.
During the summer seasons, there are small tours available which will allow you to explore further into the cave.
It is thought that approximately 6000 years ago, early settlers found shelter in the cave. Smoo Cave is abounded with myths and legends much like the Devil’s Pulpit near Loch Lomond.
Smoo Cave has one of the most impressive waterfalls on the North Coast 500.
Fingals Cave, Isle of Staffa
Fingal’s Cave is probably the most famous cave in Scotland. The large cave is located on the small Isle of Staffa which is not far from the coast of the Isle of Mull and Isle of Iona.
Fingal’s Cave is a large geometrical wonder which was formed 60 million years ago by the same geological processes that made the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland.
The only way to get to the island is to take an unforgettable boat day trip experience from Iona, Mull or Oban. One of the most notable things about this visit is the sound of the waves crashing against the volcanic dolerite columns.
Some famous people, including Queen Victoria and Sir Walter Scott, have visited here. Fingal’s Cave is one of the most impressive caves on the isles of Scotland.
Inchnadamph Bone Caves, Ullapool
In 1889, geologists Peach and Home excavated the limestone Bone Caves. Remains of animals that used to live in this Highlands area were found.
The animals included lynx, polar bear, arctic fox and lemmings. Long ago, the animals are believed to have hidden in these caves far away from the humans that were hunting them.
The caves were used to shelter animals and humans since the last Ice Age. Also, the caves were formed by rainwater eroding the limestone.
There are 13 similar caves in the valley. To reach the caves, you will have to walk for 1.5 to 2 hours.
The route to the caves has some magnificent views. Make sure to wear suitable footwear as the route has some steep parts and drop-offs.
St Ninian’s Cave, Whithorn, Galloway
The cave is located four miles southwest of Whithorn, in the southwest of Scotland. There are crosses carved into the rocks and these crosses can still be seen outside the entrance.
St Ninian founded the first church in Scotland in 397 AD. The cave is believed to have been a monastery retreat or the first saint of Scotland.
Many Christian pilgrims made visits to the cave each year. During the 10th and 11th centuries, archaeologists discovered many crosses and headstones in St Ninian’s Cave under a collapsed roof.
Back then the cave was a lot bigger and erosion and landslides have made the cave much smaller. The artefacts found by the archaeologists can now be found at the Priory Museum in Whithorn.
Interestingly, the cave was used for filming the final scene in the film, the Wicker Man. St Ninians Cave is one of the most impressive caves in the south west of Scotland.
Massacre and Cathedral Caves, Isle of Eigg
The Massacre and Cathedral Caves are located on the southern coast of the Isle of Eigg. There is a dark story associated with the caves.
In 1577, the MacDonalds of the Isle of Eigg and the Macleods from the Isle of Skye were in a long-going feud and the Macleods arrives at the Isle of Eigg seeking revenge.
The entire population of the Isle of Eigg hid in the Cave of Frances and the Macleods looked all over the islands for three days. When the Macleods had finally given up and set sail back to the Isle of Skye, they spotted footsteps on their way out from the sea.
Unfortunately, the footsteps led them to the cave and the Macleads set a large fire. The smoke from the fire killed 395 people who were trapped inside the cave, leading to the morbid nickname that the cave has today.
There is an eerie feeling when you enter the cave. It was a spooky visit due to its dark history.
Gilmerton Cave, Edinburgh
Gilmerton Cave is one of the many holes and passageways found under Gilmerton in Edinburgh. The area of Gilmerton is an ex-mining village, now a southeastern suburb of Edinburgh.
The labyrinth of caves and passageways is located where a blacksmith was once. Historians are unsure when and why the cave was carved.
Many theories have been put forwards. A drinking den, a refuge for those under religious persecution or a den for smugglers to hide their loot.
The cave was opened to visitors from 2003 onwards. However, it has been closed since May 2022.
Saint Margaret’s Cave, Dunfermline, Fife
Saint Margaret’s Cave is is located at the back of Chalmers Street car park in Dunfermline, Fife. Nine hundred years ago this was a wooded glen with a small cave in it.
There is a tunnel, with 87 steps which lead to an unexpected underground cave. Admission is free, as you descend you can feel the weight of Dunfermline’s history.
Margaret was a saxon princess and she married King Malcolm Canmore of Dunfermline around 1070. Margaret died in 1093, she was made a saint by the Pope Innocent the Fourth in honour of her life.
Tomnadashan Mine, Aberfeldy, Perthshire
The walk to the mine entrance is short and steep. There is a fabulous view of Loch Tay and the surrounding rolling hills.
The cave formation looks eery and spooky inside. Monty Python fans will recognise this abandoned mine as the Cave of the Killer Rabbit of Caerbannog.
Tomnadashan Mine is an abandoned mine established in the mid-1800s by John Campbell (2nd Marquess of breadalbane) to din copper, gold and sulphur. Tomnadashan Mine is one of the most impressive caves in Perthshire.
St. Fillans Cave, Pittenweem, Fife
St Fillans Cave is located in Pittenweem in the East Neuk of Fife. It only costs one pound to visit the cave, and the keys can be picked up from the Pittenweem Chocolate Factory.
St Fillian was an Irish Preist who was known to persuade the local Pict population to convert to Christianity. St Fillian would sit in complete darkness in the cave and that is where he would pray to God.
Since then, St Fillans Cave was used as a den for smugglers to stash their loot, a monastery and a prison for alleged witches.
Penden’s Cave, Ayrshire
Penden’s Cave is located on a tributary river to the River Ayr between Auchinleck and Mauchline. The cave is said to have hidden Alexander Peden, a famous Covenanter minister from the 17th century.
Peden was forced into exile during the Killing Times of the 1680s which saw Conventers in Scotland suffer rigorous oppression. This led to Penden into a shelter in this cave, walking the county wearing a mask to preach sermons.
The cave is just six feet high and four feet wide. Also, the cave has steps leading to it and a human-made bench cut from the rock inside.
To get to the cave, park at Failford Inn and follow the signs to the nearby river. The path is narrow so proceed with caution.
Sculptures Cave, Moray Coast
Sculpture Cave is one of the sea caves on the Moray Firth. The cave is located near the village of Covesea and is only accessible at low tide.
There are many Pictish symbol rock carvings on the walls from 600 AD to 800 AD. These Pictish carvings are what have influenced the name of the cave.
In 1928, the first excavation occurred, and further excavation occurred in 1979. During this period, Bronze Age metalwork, Iron Age artefacts and human bones were found.
There is a small parking area (a space big enough for about six cars) at the dirt track off the B9040. Covesea Beach is nearby which can be explored afterwards.
Mackinnon’s Cave, Isle of Mull
MacKinnon’s Cave is one of the longest sea caves in the Hebrides. The cave is only accessible at low tide and there are rockpools and waterfalls to explore.
To get to this cave you have to follow a short but challenging walk from the car park area at Balmeanach Farm. There is a map and information board here.
The writers, Johnson and Boswell visited the cave in the 1770s. Along the coastal walk, the views are amazing.
It is believed that the rock formations here are formed by over 2,000 million years of erosion. In the 15th century, Abbot MacKinnon was kept hidden here.
Deep inside the cave, there is a large slab of rock which is known as ‘Fingal’s Table”. This may have been used as an altar for the early followers of the Christian church.
On the walk to the cave, there are fine views on a clear day. You will be able to spot Isle of Staffa, Coll, Tiree and the holy Isle of Iona.
The cave is only accessible at low tide. Also, the coastal setting is lovely, however, it is slippery in places.
King’s Cave, Isle of Arran
As legend says, Robert the Bruce was hiding in the cave after being defeated by the English. In the cave he witnessed a spider make six attempts to swing to the next beam.
On the 7th attempt, the spider reached the next beam and this inspired Robert the Bruce to go fight for his homeland. To get to the cave, follow the scenic coastal walk which is 3 miles long from the car park.
Alternatively, this cave can be reached on a challenging section of the Arran Coastal Way. The cave contains Christian and pre-Christian carvings.
King’s Cave is worth the visit for its great location, on a raised shingle beach with amazing inscriptions. The circular walking route takes you through a pleasant forest, with views across Machrie Moor and towards the west are Drumadoon Cliffs.
Keil Caves, Southend, Kintyre Peninsula
The cave is located near Columba’s landing place at the southern end of Kintyre. His steps are carved into the rock nearby.
The Keil Caves were inhabited for many centuries. Rare Roman Pottery was found here.
The word Keil derives from the Scottish Gaelic, ‘Kilcolmhill’, meaning the cell of Columba. St Columba was known to stay here, but he was not the only inhabitant.
In addition, Southend has a lot of historical attractions and fine beaches.
Crucifixion Cave, Davaar Island, Kintyre
The Crucifixion Cave is located 40 minutes walk from Campbeltown on the Kintyre peninsula. On the back wall of the cave, there is a painting of Jesus on a Cross.
The painting was completed in 1887, by Archibald MacKinnon, a local art teacher. Fisherman later found the painting and believed it to be painted by God himself.
Later, it was found that the art teacher completed it, and he was banished from the town. Later on, he went back to restore it and was allowed to come back.
Since then, people have been restoring the paintings.
The cave is located on a small inaccessible island, which can only be reached when the tide is out. Make sure to check the tide times before heading out to the island.
Prince Charlie’s Cave and the Spar Cave, Isle of Skye
These two caves are located on the Elgol Peninsula on the Isle of Skye. Prince Charlie’s Cave can only be reached by foot, it takes 2-3 hours to walk the 2.5-mile route.
Prince Charlie disguised himself as a girl and went on the run after his defeat at the Battle of Culloden. The MacKinnons and the MacLeods helped hide Prince Charlie and Fiona MacDonald hid him in a cave on the Isle of Skye.
Aberdour Caves, Aberdeenshire
Aberdour Caves is located in the picturesque village of Pennan in Aberdeenshire. The Aberdour Caves feature sandstone caves and arches.
It is best explored when the tide is out. The walk from Pennan extends to Aberdour Bay.
Why is Fingal’s Cave famous?
Fingals Cave is so famous due to the sheer size of the cave on the small Isle of Staffa. Also, a natural walkway allows visitors to get inside at low tide.
In addition, the interior and exterior of the cave are made from concrete basalt columns which are quite unique.
What is Scotland’s deepest Cave?
It is believed that the deepest cave in Scotland is Cnon nan Uamh (a hill of the caves) in Assynt. The cave stands 83 metres deep.
Final Note
The are plenty of historical caves in Scotland to explore. Most have been known for centuries while others have only been discovered for mining purposes in the last few centuries.
Exploring the caves is a good way to spend an afternoon. Make sure to get tide times, bring a torch and wear appropriate walking shoes.
Some caves are related to Saint or other folkour tales while others have been used a filming locations in some popular movies and TV shows.