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Devil's Pulpit Hike

By François · updated in June 202506/2025My rating

Key facts about the hike

Difficulty
Moderate Hikes are rated from very easy to very hard: my difficulty scale
Duration
1h Estimated time, short breaks included (photos, water, snacks), picnic not included: how it is calculated
Distance
1.5km
out and back
Elevation gain
30m
Type of route
Out and back
Maximum altitude
60 m
Vertiginous Five levels, depending on how exposed the route is: the levels in detail
Moderately
Marked
No
Popularity
Moderate
Region
Lomond
Start point
56.03407, -4.41927
Activity
Hiking

Hike overview

The Devil's Pulpit hike takes you to the heart of Finnich Glen, a spectacular 30-meter-deep gorge with moss-covered walls. The hike gets its name from a rock sculpted by erosion that resembles a church pulpit. The red-tinged water, caused by the sandstone of the gorge, must have seemed diabolical to early visitors.

Located just 30 minutes from Glasgow, this remarkable place was made famous by the Outlander series and now attracts many visitors.

Map and elevation profile of the hike

Devil's Pulpit Hike

Difficulties of the hike

Although very short, this hike presents notable difficulties, particularly the descent into the gorge. Access is via the "Devil's Steps", a stone staircase built in 1860 that is now in poor condition. These steep, uneven steps become slippery in wet weather.

Once at the bottom of the gorge, you will need to walk about 50 meters through the stream to reach Devil's Pulpit and see the waterfall. The water can reach knee height or higher in some areas.

What you'll love

  • The unique and mysterious atmosphere of the gorge: The moss-covered walls and blood-red water create an almost surreal setting.
  • The Devil's Pulpit rock formation and the small waterfalls nestled in the heart of this narrow canyon.

Practical information

Equipment

Bring shoes that can be worn in the water, such as hiking sandals or Crocs.

Start of the hike
Start of the hike
Steps down into the gorge
Steps down into the gorge
Steps down into the gorge
Steps down into the gorge
Carnock Burn
Carnock Burn
Carnock Burn
Carnock Burn
Reddish waterfalls
Reddish waterfalls
Reddish waterfalls
Reddish waterfalls
Carnock Burn
Carnock Burn
Carnock Burn
Carnock Burn
Devil's pulpit
Devil's pulpit sur la droite
Devil's pulpit Waterfalls
Devil's pulpit Waterfalls
Devil's pulpit Waterfalls
Devil's pulpit Waterfalls
Carnock Burn
Carnock Burn
Devil's pulpit
Devil's pulpit

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Printed from www.horizonrando.fr/en/scotland/devils-pulpit/