Schiehallion – UK Hill Walks for Beginners

Schiehallion is a recognisable landmark and a peak with an intriguing history. Rising in isolation in Highland Perthshire, its uniform slopes and pointy profile make it a quintessential mountain, one that’s visible from many vantages across the Scottish Highlands. The most popular ascent is an out-and-back from Braes of Foss and it makes for a superb introduction to the Munros – the 282 prominent Scottish peaks over 3,000 feet.

The start point is home to a memorial that pays tribute to former Astronomer Royal Nevil Makelyne and mathematician Charles Hutton. In 1774, they conducted a pioneering experiment to determine the mass of the planet using Schiehallion as their subject due to its regular, almost symmetrical shape and isolation from other mountains. First, they had to determine the mountain’s mass and, in solving this quandary, Charles Hutton became the first person to come up with the idea of contour lines to represent the shape of the land.

A path constructed by the John Muir Trust to protect the surrounding land takes you to the foot of the mountain and then the ascent begins. The early stages feature increasingly impressive views towards the huge Beinn a’ Ghlo massif, seen beyond Loch Tummel. After zigzagging up the green lower flanks, things get more rugged as quartzite rocks and boulders characterise the peak’s upper ramparts.

Eventually, the summit arrives and it opens up a window to the west, with awe-inspiring views across the Central and West Highlands. The Ben Alder group rises impressively above the long ribbon of Loch Ericht and the distant peaks of Glen Coe can be seen beyond the vastness of Rannoch Moor. It’s worth taking a moment to admire the rolling country of the Mounth to the north east too.

After enjoying the views, the descent is the reverse of your journey up. This gives you the opportunity to appreciate the views towards the high ground of the Cairngorms National Park and start to dream of future adventures, as you steadily make your way back to Braes of Foss.