Bone Caves, Assynt

The Bone Caves are located in the limestone cliffs of Creag nan Uamh where bones of various animal bones including lynx, arctic foxes and polar bear dating back some 47,000 years were found. It is a fairly easy low level walk but the last uphill stretch to the caves is short but steep and over soon enough.

Starting from the car park, (signed from the main road), follow the main path past the information board and through the gates. The path takes you past a building and past a pretty little waterfall. We’re always distracted by this spot, close to the car but it looks such a lovely picnic spot with a few places for dipping our toes.

The path meanders along the valley until you’re suddenly upon the Fuaran Allt nan Uamh spring. This shallow bubbling puddle, appears from nowhere but flows in to the fast flowing Allt nan Uamh.

Soon you can see the caves on the right and before long, you come upon a fork in the road. It’s easy to miss but don’t worry if you do miss it, as you can always do the circular route in a clockwise direction from here. If you see the fork, take the right turn and start the uphill traverse towards the caves.

 

Remember to take care in the caves as they can be slippery, and don’t forget a headtorch too for some proper exploring. Some of the caves link through to each other. The views from here are amazing.

Once you’ve finished exploring the caves continue on the same path, following it in front of the cave and traversing along the cliff side. The path soon brings you back down to the valley floor again, and from here it’s an easy down hill return journey back to the car park.

 

Trip report:

• Nearest town: 4km South of Inchnadamph
• Length: 2.75 miles / 4.5km
• Elevation: 210m
• Level of difficulty: Easy to follow path.
• Exposure? Open. Take care if going to the caves in windier and wet conditions.
• What to wear: Bring for all possibilities. No cover on route, apart from caves.
• Kid friendly? Yes. Imaginations run wild and you can add a bit of history to the walk too.
• Best time to visit? Anytime but the car park can get very busy at weekends and holidays.
• Any tips? Remember a head torch.

***Please note: This is a blog that was previously published on another of our blogs Adventurous Little Legs, and linked to an online store we also had. We have closed these both down. All content and pictures remain those of Stacey and Keith at Adventurous Little Legs and An Outdoors Family.