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All the United Kingdom Scotland Craighat Devil's Pulpit

Devil's Pulpit

A strange rock with a sinister reputation lurks within the crimson waters of this Scottish glen.

Craighat, Scotland

Added By
Ryan Ebejer
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The Devil’s Pulpit.   john mcsporran
The Devil’s Pulpit.   john mcsporran
Finnich Gorge, with the Devil’s Pulpit in the background.   Henry Hemming
The Devil’s Pulpit.   john mcsporran
The Devil’s Pulpit.   Ryan Ebejer / Atlas Obscura User
Blood-red water.   Ryan Ebejer / Atlas Obscura User
Finnich Gorge waterfalls.   john mcsporran
Finnich Gorge sunbeams.   john mcsporran
Finnich Gorge.   john mcsporran
Finnich Gorge.   Ryan Ebejer / Atlas Obscura User
  ssm67alba / Atlas Obscura User
  Collector of Experiences / Atlas Obscura User
Sun on the Devils Pulpit RootlessRoutes 2018   RootlessRoutes / Atlas Obscura User
RootlesRoutes 2018   RootlessRoutes / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Blood-red water courses through Finnich Glen, a majestic sliver of Scotland, and surges around a strange rock with a sinister reputation.

The name “the Devil’s Pulpit” originally referred to the mushroom-shaped rock that sometimes pokes above the rushing stream. Some say the rock is where the Devil stood to address his followers, the crimson current swirling at his feet. Others say Druids held secret meetings there, hidden from sight within the shadows of the gorge's looming walls. Still more tell tales of witches using the rock as an execution block.

However, over time, many people began referring to all of Finnich Gorge as “the Devil’s Pulpit.” It’s still a fitting name, as the red water certainly gives the whole place an eerie, almost sinister aura, though its color actually isn’t the work of the Devil at all. It’s merely a result of the underlying red sandstone.

But this doesn’t make the gorge feel any less otherwordly. Climbing down the slippery steps—of course referred to at the Devil’s Steps—and entering this realm of verdant moss-covered rocks and ruby-toned water reveals an enchanting world, where thin beams of sunlight shine spotlights the gurgling stream.

The gorge also had a small role in the series Outlander as the site of Liar’s Spring.

Related Tags

Rocks Intriguing Environs Nature Paganism Film Locations Ecosystems Geology

Know Before You Go

The descent can be slippery and dangerous, so enter the gorge at your own risk. Don't go through the gate in the parking area and instead cross the road and find a way into the trees. Continue inward and keep following the gorge. At one point you will probably hear people speaking, which will mean you're going the right way. Keep going and you will find a downward slope with a rope attached. That's the way down. Be careful how you go down as it is slippery.

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Flavors of Scotland: Beyond the Haggis

Smoked seafood, single malt whisky, and warm hospitality.

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Added By

Ryan Ebejer

Edited By

Kerry Wolfe, RootlessRoutes, Collector of Experiences, ssm67alba

  • Kerry Wolfe
  • RootlessRoutes
  • Collector of Experiences
  • ssm67alba

Published

April 5, 2018

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  • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cxc8HXV7iU
Devil's Pulpit
Devil's Pulpit
Finnich Glen
Craighat, Scotland
United Kingdom
56.034306, -4.413866
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Nearby Places

Buchanan Castle

Drymen, Scotland

miles away

Loch Lomond

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Scotland

Scotland

United Kingdom

Places 734
Stories 49

Nearby Places

Buchanan Castle

Drymen, Scotland

miles away

Loch Lomond

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Scotland

Scotland

United Kingdom

Places 734
Stories 49

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