John Knox's Pulpit – West Lomond Summit loop from Glen Vale

Hiking trails & Routes

Fife

Auchtermuchty And Strathmiglo

John Knox's Pulpit – West Lomond Summit loop from Glen Vale

Hard

3.3

(3)

hikers

John Knox's Pulpit – West Lomond Summit loop from Glen Vale

05:05

17.2km

380m

Hiking

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: October 7, 2026

Tips

Includes segments that may be dangerous

Parts of this route comprise highly technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience is required.

After 4.81 km for 11 m

After 5.66 km for 369 m

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

24 m

Glen Vale Car Park

Highlight • Parking

Glen Vale Car Park: goo.gl/maps/LGSA8gswJ68DYAVV9

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44 m

John Knox's Pulpit is a striking fork formation names after the famous Protestant reformer John Knox. It's said to resemble a natural pulpit where according to legend Knox delivered sermons during the Scottish Reformation in the 16th century.

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2.61 km

John Knox's Pulpit

Highlight • Natural Monument

John Knox's Pulpit: falklandestate.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/geology-hotspot-john-knox-pulpit.pdf

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2.78 km

View of Glen Vale and John Knox's Pulpit

Highlight • Viewpoint

Good view of the valley and rock formations

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5.56 km

View from West Lomond

Highlight • Viewpoint

Best to take the longer but more gradual path to the top rather than the steeper more direct route to avoid worsening the erosion.

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5.66 km

West Lomond Summit

Highlight • Viewpoint

West Lomond at 522m is the highest point in Fife and the highest point in the Lomond Hills. It's the prominent western top on the skyline with amazing and genuinely …

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7.24 km

View North from Bishop Hill

Highlight • Viewpoint

11.7 km

Harperleas Reservoir

Highlight • Structure

Nestled in a fold in the hillside, a beautifully tranquil spot on a summer's afternoon. The reservoir is used by local fishermen and there is often a boat moored at the far end of the reservoir dam.

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