The Devil's Pulpit. Other worldly. Moss and fern-covered covered canyon walls eroded by Carnock Burn and its predecessors, Finnich Glen, Stirlingshire, Scotland.
Commentary.
The Carnock Burn has eroded the local sandstone to form an amazing gorge.
Much of this erosion would have taken place following
the end of the Ice-Age when melt-water surged in massive quantities.
In recent centuries the moist, humid, sheltered conditions
have created a green, moss, fern and tree-covered tunnel.
From above there is no evidence of a gorge, merely a line of mature trees.
However, in places this chasm reaches 70-100 feet in depth,
with near vertical cliffs on either side.
Local legend will often dramatise certain features.
Where the burn has created a vortex, stones have whirled in one place creating an eroded rounded bowl, likened to a seat,
and named “The Devil’s Pulpit.”
There are several waterfalls and rapids and patches of foaming water.
Little wonder it was used as a location-setting in “Outlander.”
It certainly has the qualities to be regarded as a “Gateway to Middle-Earth.”
However, apparently its popularity is leading to human erosion, danger and destruction.
Fences have been trampled, a myriad of unofficial paths created by random foot-fall.
Car-parking is sparse and inadequate.
Protective barriers and proper paths are non-existent.
In such a humid, sheltered eco-system the ground
stays wet, muddy and slippery and a fall into the gorge is likely to be fatal.
On numerous occasions Emergency Services have had to retrieve injured and stranded visitors.
The Land-Owner has promised a proper Visitor Centre,
official car-parks, properly constructed, signed paths and safety-barriers, but so far, people visit at their own risk and with zero facilities.
It is a wonderful place, but facilities must ensure safety, as an urgent priority.