The Devil's Pulpit

Sightseeing attraction | Glasgow | Scotland | United Kingdom

Fascination of Finnich Glen

The Devil's Pulpit near Glasgow, Scotland, is one of the most fascinating and mysterious natural attractions in the country. This attraction, located about 30 minutes northwest of the city, consists of a deep gorge called Finnich Glen, which is often used synonymously with The Devil's Pulpit, although the term originally describes a specific mushroom-shaped rock in the gorge. The dramatic landscape, characterized by steep, moss-covered sandstone walls and a blood-red colored stream, attracts numerous visitors annually who are drawn to the unique beauty and legends of this place. The Devil's Pulpit became particularly well-known for its use as a filming location in the series "Outlander," where it served as "Liar's Spring," as well as in movies like "Detective Pikachu."

Access to Devil's Pulpit

The Finnich Glen gorge stretches for about 300 meters and reaches a depth of up to 30 meters. The walls of red sandstone are covered with dense, emerald green moss that thrives in the humid environment, giving the scenery an almost unreal atmosphere. The Carnock Burn, a small river, flows through the gorge and colors the water in deep red tones due to the underlying rock, which appears particularly intense after rain. The namesake Devil's Pulpit, a striking rock, protrudes from the stream at low water levels and is the center of many stories and myths. According to legend, the Devil himself stood on this rock to address his followers, while the red water swirled around his feet. Other tales speak of druids holding secret rituals here, or witches using the place for their dark purposes. These folkloric traditions contribute to the mystical aura of the place.

Adventurous hike in Scotland

Access to The Devil's Pulpit is an adventure in itself. Visitors must descend a steep, narrow staircase known as "Devil's Stairs" or "Jacob's Ladder." These steps are carved into the rock, often slippery, and secured with a rope for support, making the descent a challenge, especially in wet weather. Upon reaching the bottom, visitors can wade through ankle-deep to knee-high water to reach the rock and waterfalls at the end of the gorge. The gorge is narrow, and light only sparsely penetrates through the treetops of the surrounding forest, intensifying the mood. For many, this is a place that evokes Tolkien-esque fantasy worlds or medieval legends, making it a paradise for photographers and nature lovers.

Secrets of Finnich Glen

The surroundings of The Devil's Pulpit are close to Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, making it an ideal starting point for further exploration. Despite its beauty, the site is not without challenges: there is no official signage or infrastructure such as toilets or designated parking areas. Visitors typically park along a nearby country road, where space is limited, sometimes leading to traffic issues. The increasing popularity, fueled by social media and film productions, has also left its mark - litter and excessive crowds pose a burden on the delicate nature. Nevertheless, the site remains freely accessible, making it particularly attractive to adventurers.

Natural attraction in Scotland

The Devil's Pulpit offers no guided tours or established paths, but requires initiative and caution. For those willing to brave the descent, a world of natural beauty and secrets unfolds. The best time to visit is between spring and autumn, when the weather is drier and the moss appears particularly vibrant green. After heavy rain, the red water displays its full splendor, although conditions may also become more slippery. Those exploring the site should bring sturdy footwear and be prepared to get their feet wet, as wading through the river is often unavoidable.

Contact details

Web

Phone
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Address
A809 &, B834
G63 9QJ Glasgow

Map view

Opening hours

Sunday0:00 - 0:00
Monday0:00 - 0:00
Tuesday0:00 - 0:00
Wednesday0:00 - 0:00
Thursday0:00 - 0:00
Friday0:00 - 0:00
Saturday0:00 - 0:00

Reviews

3228 Reviews

Miles Griff
06.03.2025

Beautiful place, with a druidic/ancient significance. ABSOLUTELY RUINED by the most atrocious fly tipping I've ever seen. And the council should hang their head in shame for not lifting a finger to organise its clean up.
Virginija Tautkiene
02.03.2025

Mes kai atvykome, apkink velnio duobę buvo prikritę nemažai lūžusių medžių, šakų ir kt. Kadangi buvome sausio mėn. tai takas vedantis buvo šlapias ir slidus, laipteliai lipant žemyn į duobę, pakankamai pavojingas, dėl slidžių, šlapių lapų. Šeip vieta graži. Aplink neapsakomo grožio laukai, kuriuose ganosi avys. Išbandyti būtinai verta.
erin ryan
27.02.2025

It was a very muddy slog but well Worth it. The stairs down to the water have partially collapsed but it is passable. If it’s been raining be prepared to get wet and muddy
Arkadiusz Wiśniewski
24.02.2025

SZKOCJA ( na północ od Glasgow) Piękne i urokliwe miejsce na romantyczny spacer we dwoje. Ja obejrzałem go samemu. Okolica jest wprost naturalnie dziewicza choć kręci się tu sporo turystów
Craig Darroch
25.02.2025

What a fantastic place. Parking is tight. I would advise going early or you may be disappointed
Übermom F
18.02.2025

I went on this hike/nature walk with the Black Scottish Adventurers. Storm Éowyn had taken off the bridge across the gorge, so we had to walk on the road to get to the other side. The descent into the gorge to see the actual Devil's Pulpit was kinda tough because everywhere was wet and muddy. I had a boiler suit on so on occasion I got on my butt to get to another rock. It's a real otherworldly beauty! The red sandstone under the water gave the river it's reddish hue. "Blood-red water courses through Finnich Glen, a majestic sliver of Scotland, and surges around a strange rock with a sinister reputation." 🤭🤭 I enjoyed myself immensely!
Layla Bell
16.02.2025

Beautiful place to go but be careful when visiting if it's previously rained or calling for rain. While we were down there it started to spit of rain and it made it extremely hard to get back out as everything was slippy.
Stefanos Gkouts
12.02.2025

Quite unique place to visit. Highly recommended.
John Rowan
12.02.2025

Stunning place to visit if you have a head for heights and you don't mind a scramble down the steps
Lorraine Gill
10.02.2025

Easy to get too...but parking is minimal... only a small dander to the steep staircase down to the water & falls.... unfortunately a few steps down are missing and is very dangerous for those that have knee or leg issues or afraid of heights... The steps have came loose and fallen... so you may not get to view the Devil's Pulpit at its best... Do it at you own risk... but view the staircase... at the far side ( walk past the steps and around to the other side) and look down and you will see how dangerous it can be. Unfortunately I didn't get full view of it down by the water...as it looked too unsafe to me..please read the signs. Please be careful 🙏 ❤️
Cindy Hong
04.02.2025

Visited here over around Christmas 2024. The tiny car park we found on the corner was definitely limited to about 4-5 cars depending on how far apart they were. We walked along the road, over the bridge and into Devil’s Pulpit. The views from above are spectacular the entire walk with beautiful ferns, moss, and waterfalls complimenting the red rock. There is a staircase that leads down to the “pulpit” rock formation and water. Be weary of the sheer cliffs and slippery mud/leaves. Waterproof boots with ample grip are an absolute must. We saw several people ruining their walking shoes in the unavoidable mud. The back stone wall was charming as well and overlooks a wide open field that was both peaceful and lonely feeling at the same time. I don’t know who exactly is in charge of maintaining this area but we were very sad to see rubbish/plastic. Once in a stacked pile along a large waterfall (puzzled at how it got there) and also as the falls lead out to a calm stream. Hoping for a thorough clean up soon to protect the beauty of this special place
Alice Usoda
02.02.2025

Saw a red squirrel. 10/10. Will visit in spring. The gorge was nice as well. Definitely recommend real hiking shoes. Slips can be fatal.
LM
30.01.2025

The Devil’s Pulpit is about 200 metres from the car park, you then cut in off of the main road and walk another 100 metres to where you will see the staircase cascade down. The heavy rains have caused the stairs to fall away so it is quite a challenge to descend safely. Once it opens up you are rewarded with a fascinating view, the water runs blood red which contrasts against the vegetation and the moss covered cliff sides. One downside was there is quite a bit of rubbish left at the top.
SDTate Tate
25.01.2025

Fantastic place,a bit magical and will definitely revisit again.

 

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