Devil's Pulpit (Finnich Glen): Finding Outlander's Liar's Spring

I wouldn’t recommend Devil's Pulpit—I honestly believe it should be closed to the public. This is one of those posts where I had to sit down and really reflect. I believe that nature has a purpose and we must sometimes allow it to unfold naturally. I understand that people love to take a walk and enjoy the views, but even the slightest misstep here can lead to disaster.

This area is experiencing rapid erosion, seemingly consuming the land. From what I saw, the government tried to set up protective barriers, but the relentless erosion keeps eating away at the soil. They kept extending the barrier away from the erosion but nature is not giving up. There’s even a sign warning visitors about the danger, not just from the unstable ground but from the falling trees as well. Trees are toppling over every day, and loose stones are tumbling down. It’s a natural disaster in the making, because no one can truly stop nature.

The Devil’s Pulpit & Waterfall in Finnich Glen

Walking along the coastal road, I couldn’t help but wonder how long this will go on. There’s a major road maintained in this area, but nature is clearly winning slowly. Near the Devil’s Pulpit, there’s a staircase leading down to the views—but the steps are in terrible shape. My partner tried descending and quickly came back up, and we even saw a couple who took nearly an hour to make the round trip because they had to be so careful on the slippery path. One small mistake here can be fatal.

I felt a mix of fear and unease, like I might fall if I got too close—the drop and the unstable footing made me very uncomfortable. Normally, my partner would be the one urging me to explore further, but this time he was already ready to leave. For the first time on our adventure, my partner said, “I don’t like this place—let’s go.”

We managed to find a safe spot near the water, well away from the Devil’s Pulpit, and took some photos from a distance. The climb was exhausting—we were out of breath and had to stop to rest because we had to climb a fallen tree to get a bit close to the flowing river. We avoided taking too many photos of the Devil’s Pulpit itself because the ground is so soft and treacherous that if you get too excited, you might end up falling. Plus, the wind and scattered debris only add to the risk.

To anyone planning a visit, please consider another spot in Scotland. There are plenty of beautiful natural areas that are much safer. As the name implies, the Devil’s Pulpit is dangerous—it can kill you with a single fall. This place gave me a really fearful vibe, but I can’t fault nature for that; it wasn’t inviting us in—the danger was just there, and we found ourselves in it. Honestly, we never expected to stumble into such a perilous zone. It’s not a place you’d ever want to bring a child.

 

The photos we saw online have enhanced colors, but they don’t accurately capture just how dangerous this place is. If you insist on visiting this location, be sure to go with someone. This spot isn’t a hidden secret. Thanks to its appearances in TV shows like Outlander and films like the 2019 Pokémon movie and Outlaw King, it's become a bit more popular. It’s easier to find now, but be warned: for safety reasons, it can sometimes be closed off. This address is A809 &, B834, Glasgow G63 9QJ. It is located near Drymen in Stirlingshire, Scotland, approximately 15 miles northwest of Glasgow. Getting there is straightforward. The nearest city is Glasgow, and from there it's roughly a 30-40 minute drive into the countryside along the A809 road. However, due to ongoing maintenance work, the traffic light at the maintenance area added a few extra minutes to our journey.

I had to look up the story behind the Devil’s Pulpit at Finnich Glen. So, why call it the Devil’s Pulpit? Well, the “pulpit” part comes from a mushroom-shaped rock nestled in the gorge. According to local legends, it’s where the Devil himself once addressed his followers, with the blood-red waters splashing around his feet. Upon reaching the bottom, you'll immediately be struck by the sight of water that’s a vivid, blood-red hue—thanks to the red sandstone beneath it that gives the water its intense color.

Now, you might wonder: is it illegal to walk down to the Devil’s Pulpit? Not at all—but keep in mind that this is private land. In Scotland, you’re allowed to wander on private property, but that doesn’t give you a free pass to treat it like your personal playground. Unfortunately, some visitors have littered, damaged property, left behind BBQs, and even started fires. Remember, when you’re out in nature, the best thing you should leave behind is just your footprints.

When’s the best time to visit? Frankly, Finnich Glen is no longer a secret treasure. It gets pretty busy, especially during peak seasons and weekends. When we visited, it wasn't so busy because we visited on a Monday. If you’re after some solitude for photography or just a peaceful escape, aim for early morning or late afternoon. In Scottish summers, daylight can stretch until around 10 pm, which means sunnier, drier, and safer conditions for your adventure. Just don’t plan to be there too late—it’s not the kind of spot you want to be navigating in the dark! I can only imagine how scary this place would be at night. No wayyyy!

Before you head out on your Devil’s Pulpit hike, here’s a quick packing guide based on my own choices:

• Footwear: I wore my sneakers; don't be like me; you need proper hiking boots or waterproof shoes.
• Clothing: I dressed well, but I did not layer as much as I always did—next time, I will stick with proper hiking attire.
• Torch/Headlamp: Some sections of the hike—like Jacob’s Ladder—can get really dark. Trust me, if you ever find yourself in the gorge after sunset, a headlamp will be a total lifesaver. Honestly, visiting a spot like this really teaches you the importance of being prepared for anything.
• Water Bottle: While you might think the Devil’s Pulpit would have fresh water, no, you cannot drink the water; I don't think it is safe. We carried our own water. Carry your own water.
• Camera/Phone: Of course, you want to capture the memories—it’s better to have a waterproof cover over your phone but I did not have that.
• Wear your garment of awareness. Don't be carried away. I mean, be conscious and don't be too free around here.

There were lots of beautiful views on our way; another thing was that it was a cold day and we visited more than one location on this day, which I will also share with you in my next post.

Despite the nerve-wracking adventure, it served as a reminder of nature's resilience. I observed roots piercing through rocks and trees sprouting in the most improbable locations, demonstrating that over time, even the tiniest seed can germinate. Even though this area should be a no-go zone, it taught me that I’m as resilient as those tree roots—planted by God, and unyielding no matter what.

If you're wondering why I always wear my big black jacket, it's because Scotland's weather is cold, and I can't stand the chill. This is the best jacket I have for adventures; it's from Jack Wolfskin, durable, and I've been using it for over four years without any damage. However, it's not fully waterproof, so you'll get soaked on a heavily rainy day, but the quality is top-notch.

Entrance Fee: Visiting the Devil's Pulpit (Finnich Glen) is indeed free of charge.

Parking: While there is no designated parking lot, visitors often park in small lay-bys along the A809 road. However, these spots are limited and can fill up quickly. Improper parking, such as on the roadside, is discouraged due to safety concerns and may result in fines or towing.

Recommendation: Arrive early to secure a legal parking spot and always adhere to local parking regulations to ensure safety and avoid penalties. 

We visited the Devil's Pulpit on March 10, 2025, from 1:29 PM to 2:35 PM

Have you visited the Devil’s Pulpit in Scotland? Would you like to? Let me know in the comments below. And if you decide not to visit in person, don’t worry—I’ve packed this post with plenty of photos to take you along on my adventure. Enjoy!