The UK is full of stunning walks, and this is something that is particularly true of the Scottish Highlands. Here you can hike along mountains, around lochs, and to caves and/or the ruins of medieval castles. One route in particular will take you to the eerily named ‘bone caves.’
Located in Assynt, near Inchnadamph, the bone caves have been labelled one of the “most mysterious and magical places” in the UK. And it’s clear why, with the bones of lynx, reindeer, and polar bears discovered in these caves. While none of these creatures now roam these areas, it’s clear that they were once located in the north of Scotland.
The bone caves are formed of four natural limestone caves in the high limestone cliff walls of Creag nan Uamh (Crag of the Caves). They are each about five metres in depth and just tall enough for the average person to stand in.
They once formed a much bigger cave system, but these have been eroded over the years as the valley has deepened, meaning only a few caves are left.
The caves that we see today were first recorded in 1889, when Geologists Peach and Horne discovered them. However, the bones were not discovered until 1928, when J.E. Cree excavated them.
Upon investigating the cave, Cree discovered a bear tooth, human skeletons, antlers, and more. Many of the finds from the caves are now on display in the Royal Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.
To reach the caves, walkhighlands.co.uk has shared a route, starting at a car park on the A837 between Elphin and Inchnadamph.
A number of those who have visited the caves have shared their thoughts on TripAdvisor, with one writing: “Amazing walk, amazing scenery and a real sense of atmosphere when you arrive at the bone caves. Fairly easy most of the way, a few rocky areas.”
Another penned: “This is a great walk, only takes about 1hour each way. Should have a stick and good shoes for walking but otherwise very simple walk. Certainly recommend this if in the area, really pretty walk and great views from the caves.”
While a third added: “These are a set of natural pre-Ice Age caves set high in a limestone cliff, where a large number of animal bones were discovered during excavation (hence the name).
“It’s a beautiful trail through a deep, secluded valley with a steep climb up to the caves followed by a sharp vertigo-inducing descent right along the edge of the cliff back to the valley. We were greeted by a deer at the end of our walk!”
