An evocatively named mountain of instantly recognisable contours that has beguiled walkers for centuries, hikes to Schiehallion’s historic summit take you to an icon of the Southeastern Highlands. A magnificent, isolated cone when seen from west, it is an instantly recognisable peak from many vantages.

A prominent mountain of rich historic interest

In 1774, due to its almost symmetrical shape and isolation, Schiehallion was the subject of a ground-breaking experiment to determine the mass of the Earth by Astronomer Royal, Nevil Maskelyne. The experiment centred around the idea that Schiehallion’s known mass would have a perceptible gravitational attraction on objects and that this effect could be measured. The data was then used to calculate the mass of the Earth.

Maskelyne was assisted in his work by Charles Hutton, who set about calculating the mass of the mountain by triangulating its height at various points. The result of this study was the birth of contour lines. You have Schiehallion to thank for this particularly useful navigational aid we take for granted today.

Most walking routes to Schiehallion’s summit begin from the Braes of Foss car park and ascend via a popular path up the east ridge, although rougher, pathless ascents are possible with considered route planning.

From the top, the view is extensive in all directions. Perhaps the highlight is the distant Glen Etive and Glen Coe mountains rising beyond Rannoch Moor to the west. The Lawers group dominate the view south, with eastern Loch Tay sparkling in the sun on a good day. To the north east, the wild, rounded forms of the Cairngorms roll into the distance, snow-capped in the colder months.

There are various camping options in the surrounding countryside, whilst guest houses and all manner of lodges can also be found around the towns of Pitlochry and Aberfeldy.

In winter conditions, Schiehallion’s great height makes it an objective for equipped mountaineers only.

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Location: Rannoch, Perth and Kinross, Scotland, United Kingdom

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Trail Magazine

December 13, 2019

Hiking

From the west the mountain appears as an almost perfect pyramid. In reality it’s a long, tapered hill, which climbs smoothly and conveniently to a narrow, elevated summit. It was once used to weigh the world, fairies are rumoured to gather on its slopes, and it’s sometimes described as the centre of Scotland.

Chris

August 19, 2018

Hiking

Amazing views in good weather. Easy path 2/3 of the way up, turns very rocky at the top. I saw people with trainers on and wondered how they made it without turning an ankle.

51m

November 7, 2023

Running

Schiehallion is one of the most famous Munros and also one of the most straightforward (in good weather). The iconic cone shape visible from Loch Rannoch isn't so clear on …

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#1.

Schiehallion – UK Hill Walks for Beginners

10.5km

03:54

690m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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East Schiehallion – Schiehallion summit loop from Dùn Coillich Community Land

21.9km

07:21

840m

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

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Elevation 1,130 m

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Location: Rannoch, Perth and Kinross, Scotland, United Kingdom

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View of Schiehallion

Schiehallion summit

#1.

Schiehallion – UK Hill Walks for Beginners

#2.

East Schiehallion – Schiehallion summit loop from Dùn Coillich Community Land

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