The cave is a Category B Listed Building that is reached via a narrow path and some rock cut steps[7] that follow the River Lugar gorge.

[8] The cave height is approximately ten feet and access is via a pointed seven foot high arched doorway, now minus its door, with one small, similarly shaped window to its left, as viewed from the outside.

The eminent antiquarian John Smith visited the area circa 1895 recording historic sites but makes no reference to the two caves on the estate.

[16] It has been estimated as dating from circa 1760 and has been hewn from soft red sandstone in the Gothic style as a man-made folly or grotto,[17] although the possibility remains that it was an extension of a natural cave.

The first Laird of Auchinleck or Affleck on record was Nicol de Achethlec or Achethlic who was a great supporter of Scottish independence and is said to have been related to Sir William Wallace.