The Secluded Glens of Scotland & The Highland Games
Today we explore our namesake and find some of the beautiful secluded glens in the world. There is no place with more abundance of such hidden treasures than Scotland.
A glen is a valley deep in a forest. Glens can be as a big as a 1 km wide valley and they can be small. They typically have a creek, stream, or river running through it. Here at SecludedGlen.com we are interested in the small hidden glens of the world. The idea is to find unique locations and experiences that have historical significance for you to try in this lifetime.
A secluded glen is even more magical. It is a small trough created by a stream surrounded by an enchanting forest. Imagine the gentle sounds of a small stream flowing by. Hear the soft mini waves as it descends on mini-water falls no more than two feet high. Birds are singing and forest bunnies are hopping by. As you see the sun pierce through, the beams look like magic rays. The reflection off the water creates the illusion of faeries prancing about an enchanted forest. Most of all, it is a serene place that is hidden to the rest of the world. Gone are the busy traffic of modern cities and every day life. You found a special place for you to enjoy and marvel at the beauty of nature. This is the secluded glen we envision at SecludedGlen.com.
Do secluded glens exist?
They most certainly do and we found a few that are fantastic in Scotland for you to hike to and view.
These are in Northern Scotland in what are known as the highlands. In these parts are also secluded villages. Quiet sleep towns that are the kind you see in paintings.
The villages also host something that we think you should see. They are the Highland Games.
Adventure Idea:
Arrive in Glasgow and visit the Devi'ls Pulpit. Spend a day or so exploring the town and surrounding areas.
Finnich Glen and The Devil's Pulpit
Take a journey to the one of the true "secluded glens" of our planet by finding the "Devil's Pulpit" in the Finnich Glen. This beautiful and mostly unknown moss and tree covered 100 foot deep gorge flows a ruby red colored river. However, did you know it is very close to Glasgow and Edinburgh. Finnich Glen is approximately 25 minutes north of Glasgow, 80 minutes south of Edinburgh and very close to Loch Lomond, approximately 10 minutes. Although you can take a bus, bicycle or even hike there, it is best to rent a car and drive to Finnich Glen. Most people will park at the B834 junction but it is better to park at the A809 section because that puts you square in front of the glen, it crosses right through the glen. However, this one only has 3 parking spots so get there early if you can!
Pass through this small gate to get to the footpath. It is like a gateway to an enchanted place. If it's locked there is a small wall that most people can scale easily. Once you walk to the bottom you can go left or right. The left side appears to be more enchanting which takes you to some small waterfalls.
Once you arrive at the Devil's Gorge you can either walk on top but be careful as there are zero fences! There is a path down called "Jacob's Ladder" and it is fairly worn down. Go down there only if you are fit and have no issues about getting back up the path! There is a tree log going over the stream.
Fun Fact: The Devi'ls Pulpit's name now encapsulates the entire Finnich Glen and gourge plus most think it is because of the red water. However, the original name derived from the sharp and blooming rocks that jut straight up over the stream. Legend holds that Druids held secret meetings in the evening over the glow of fires. What a fitting place for a secret meeting, a secluded glen such as this with a stream to mask your speech and high rock walls to conceal your activity!
Puck's Glen
Puck's Glen has the atmosphere of a secluded glen. It is shrouded in tall trees and has a number of interesting features. This glen has a number of crisscrossing bridges with rocky side walls hung with a variety of green mosses. It is a popular short walk amongst locals but many Americans have not heard of this special corner of the world.
You can take a public bus to Puck's Glen. It is easier to rent a car and park at the lot at A815. It is a very scenic walk of 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers). The round trip will typically take approximately 1.5 hours to 2.0 hours.
There are several sections through this glen. After you park, the first section consists of a non-railed foot path cutting through the right side of the gulch with a stream on the left. The second section has several bridges and waterfalls. The most beautiful waterfall is at the end of a sligthly steep climb up steps with a handrail on the right.
The third section is a choose your own adventure. Pick the route on the right to end at a most scenic view of the surrounding area.
The Highland Games
After you had a few glen adventures, check out one of Scotland's most unique cultural features: the Highland Games. So what are the Highland Games? They are an ancient Scottish tradition that has carried forth to modern times.
There are over two dozen towns that host Highland Games starting in May and ending in September. High summer from late June to August is the busiest times. Go in early September to avoid the crowds and catch the some of the most exciting of the games.
The best time to go is in May so you can catch the Carmunnock High Games in Glasgow which conveniently gives you close proximity to the Glennich Glen and the Devil's Pulpit. Plus May is great weather and less crowds as many families are still in school. Late August and mid June are the best bets for families with school age children.
Today we explore our namesake and find some of the beautiful secluded glens in the world. There is no place with more abundance of such hidden treasures than Scotland.
A glen is a valley deep in a forest. Glens can be as a big as a 1 km wide valley and they can be small. They typically have a creek, stream, or river running through it. Here at SecludedGlen.com we are interested in the small hidden glens of the world. The idea is to find unique locations and experiences that have historical significance for you to try in this lifetime.
A secluded glen is even more magical. It is a small trough created by a stream surrounded by an enchanting forest. Imagine the gentle sounds of a small stream flowing by. Hear the soft mini waves as it descends on mini-water falls no more than two feet high. Birds are singing and forest bunnies are hopping by. As you see the sun pierce through, the beams look like magic rays. The reflection off the water creates the illusion of faeries prancing about an enchanted forest. Most of all, it is a serene place that is hidden to the rest of the world. Gone are the busy traffic of modern cities and every day life. You found a special place for you to enjoy and marvel at the beauty of nature. This is the secluded glen we envision at SecludedGlen.com.
Do secluded glens exist?
They most certainly do and we found a few that are fantastic in Scotland for you to hike to and view.
These are in Northern Scotland in what are known as the highlands. In these parts are also secluded villages. Quiet sleep towns that are the kind you see in paintings.
The villages also host something that we think you should see. They are the Highland Games.
Adventure Idea:
Arrive in Glasgow and visit the Devi'ls Pulpit. Spend a day or so exploring the town and surrounding areas.
Finnich Glen and The Devil's Pulpit
Take a journey to the one of the true "secluded glens" of our planet by finding the "Devil's Pulpit" in the Finnich Glen. This beautiful and mostly unknown moss and tree covered 100 foot deep gorge flows a ruby red colored river. However, did you know it is very close to Glasgow and Edinburgh. Finnich Glen is approximately 25 minutes north of Glasgow, 80 minutes south of Edinburgh and very close to Loch Lomond, approximately 10 minutes. Although you can take a bus, bicycle or even hike there, it is best to rent a car and drive to Finnich Glen. Most people will park at the B834 junction but it is better to park at the A809 section because that puts you square in front of the glen, it crosses right through the glen. However, this one only has 3 parking spots so get there early if you can!
Pass through this small gate to get to the footpath. It is like a gateway to an enchanted place. If it's locked there is a small wall that most people can scale easily. Once you walk to the bottom you can go left or right. The left side appears to be more enchanting which takes you to some small waterfalls.
Once you arrive at the Devil's Gorge you can either walk on top but be careful as there are zero fences! There is a path down called "Jacob's Ladder" and it is fairly worn down. Go down there only if you are fit and have no issues about getting back up the path! There is a tree log going over the stream.
Fun Fact: The Devi'ls Pulpit's name now encapsulates the entire Finnich Glen and gourge plus most think it is because of the red water. However, the original name derived from the sharp and blooming rocks that jut straight up over the stream. Legend holds that Druids held secret meetings in the evening over the glow of fires. What a fitting place for a secret meeting, a secluded glen such as this with a stream to mask your speech and high rock walls to conceal your activity!
Puck's Glen
Puck's Glen has the atmosphere of a secluded glen. It is shrouded in tall trees and has a number of interesting features. This glen has a number of crisscrossing bridges with rocky side walls hung with a variety of green mosses. It is a popular short walk amongst locals but many Americans have not heard of this special corner of the world.
You can take a public bus to Puck's Glen. It is easier to rent a car and park at the lot at A815. It is a very scenic walk of 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers). The round trip will typically take approximately 1.5 hours to 2.0 hours.
There are several sections through this glen. After you park, the first section consists of a non-railed foot path cutting through the right side of the gulch with a stream on the left. The second section has several bridges and waterfalls. The most beautiful waterfall is at the end of a sligthly steep climb up steps with a handrail on the right.
The third section is a choose your own adventure. Pick the route on the right to end at a most scenic view of the surrounding area.
The Highland Games
After you had a few glen adventures, check out one of Scotland's most unique cultural features: the Highland Games. So what are the Highland Games? They are an ancient Scottish tradition that has carried forth to modern times.
There are over two dozen towns that host Highland Games starting in May and ending in September. High summer from late June to August is the busiest times. Go in early September to avoid the crowds and catch the some of the most exciting of the games.
The best time to go is in May so you can catch the Carmunnock High Games in Glasgow which conveniently gives you close proximity to the Glennich Glen and the Devil's Pulpit. Plus May is great weather and less crowds as many families are still in school. Late August and mid June are the best bets for families with school age children.
Summary:
Fall is a good time to visit. September has the Braemar Highland Games has been one of the best. You also get to see a variety of colors in the countryside.
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