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The Devil’s Pulpit
There are some places in Scotland where you get a sense of something otherworldly. To be somewhere and just get that…shivery feeling in your bones. For many, the Devil’s Pulpit is such a place.
It’s actually a beautiful gorge, cutting deep down into sandstone. But with all the stories surrounding this location, it’s no wonder people might choose to look over their shoulder from time to time. This isn’t a long walk, nor is it an easily accessible one, but if you have a few hours to spare and are looking for an adventure and to get somewhere you just can’t get to by any other means, then this is the walk for you!
But please don’t attempt this alone. The waters are known for being unpredictable and parking/road safety is limited on-site. And you will miss the best bit of the gorge if you go alone. As such you are best to enjoy the wonders of the Devil’s Pulpit with an activity company, such as Activity Scotland.
Where is the Devil’s Pulpit?
Not far from Loch Lomond Waterfront, just south of Drymen and north of Craighat is Finnich Glen. This is a steep gorge that cuts through sandstone, revealing a river below. Walking down to the bottom can be a rather tricky activity, so beware. The way down to the bottom has been called the Devil’s Steps or Jacob’s Ladder, but either way it’s a warning that they can be slippery, so this is a walk for good shoes and dry days only.
What is the Devil’s Pulpit?
Upon reaching the bottom, the first thing you’ll see is that the water is blood red! Don’t worry, we’re not taking you into a cursed area! The sandstone that the water runs across is red, giving it its hue. The next thing to look for is the Devil’s Pulpit itself. Although some people call the whole gorge by this name, the actual pulpit is a grassy stone which pokes out of the rock by the river. It’s best seen when the water is low.
This rock is said to be where the devil would stand and address his followers as the red waters swirled under his feet. Other say that Druids would come here to preach and make merry, perhaps guided by the evil forces of nature. Who knows for sure? But one thing that is certain is that for all its strangeness, this is a true beauty spot.
Getting there
This area is not as big a secret as it was even ten years ago. That’s because it’s been used as a filming location in TV shows such as Outlander, and even movies like the 2019 version of Pokemon and the Robert the Bruce film Outlaw King. It’s slightly easier to find now, although do beware, it is liable to shut from time to time for safety reasons. This most recently happened in June 2020 when there was an influx of visitors during the Coronavirus lockdown.
Although you can drive to the Devil’s Pulpit and walk down from there, parking is extremely limited and restricted. There are double yellow lines around the area, and this is enforced with parking fines if you park on them. Once here, you will find that it’s not signposted particularly well. The little footpath that takes you down the gorge is steep, and the steps are not maintained. There should be some rope for you to hold onto, but you do all of this at your own risk! Also, the waters are known for being unpredictable. Therefore, we do not recommend attempting the walk alone. Instead, you are best to visit the Devil’s Pulpit as part of an organised tour.
Organised Devil’s Pulpit Tours
Organised guided tours are the best way to safely explore the Devil’s Pulpit. Take a look at companies such as Walk Hill and Glen and Dreamchaser Adventures for the latest available tours.
Back to normality
By staying with us here at Loch Lomond Waterfront, we can make sure any supernatural feelings you get at the Devil’s Pulpit (or any other nearby walks) are quickly washed away with a glass of bubbly and maybe even a soak in our hot tub! Make sure you book your stay with us so you can enjoy this and all the other stunning walks and attractions nearby.
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