Munro · Fife & Perthshire
Schiehallion
Schiehallion — "the fairy hill of the Caledonians" — is the 1083m Munro between Loch Rannoch and Glen Lyon, one of the most recognisable mountains in Scotland from its near-perfect conical profile when seen from the east. The hill carries scientific significance too: in 1774, Astronomer Royal Nevil Maskelyne used Schiehallion to make the first measurement of the Earth's mass, and his survey method gave rise to the modern technique of contour lines on maps. The summit is a small rocky crown on a wide stony top.
Quick facts
- Height
- 1083.3m/ 3554ft
- Distance
- 18 km
- Ascent
- 953 m
- Time
- 6–9 hrs
- Grid ref
- NN713547
- Parking
- NN754557
- Nearest city
- Perth
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
Good path to mid-mountain 35% · Quartzite boulder field 50% · Summit 15%
The standard line is the John Muir Trust path from the Braes of Foss car park, climbing the east ridge of the hill on a well-built path through the JMT estate land. The lower section is flagstoned gravel; the upper third turns to a vast field of quartzite boulders that walkers must hop across to reach the summit. Around 10km return with 750m of ascent. The 18km/953m database figures include the wider hill traverse.
Terrain
The John Muir Trust restoration on the east ridge sets a benchmark for upland path engineering — neat flagstones carry walkers up the steep lower section. The upper third is a quartzite boulder field that demands careful footwork; in mist navigation across this requires GPS or precise bearings. The summit is a small rocky crown with the cairn unmistakable in clear weather. The popularity of the hill has caused significant path erosion; stay on the marked route.
In winter
A popular winter Munro by Perthshire standards. The upper boulder field becomes a serious snow-and-ice traverse — boulders mask under fresh snow and the gradient is sustained. Cornicing on the north sides above Gleann Mor. The Foss car park is gritted and reliable; the B846 is generally clear. SAIS Southern Cairngorms applies.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow2h 55m
- Edinburgh2h 4m
OS maps: OS Landranger 42, OS Landranger 51, OS Landranger 52
Mobile signal: Good signal at the Schiehallion car park near Braes of Foss. Signal weakens above 800m. Download maps before setting off — the upper mountain is broad and featureless.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:28
- Sunset
- 22:02
- Civil dawn
- 03:25
- Civil dusk
- 23:05
NOAA Solar Calculator · 7 June 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from Schiehallion.
Around Schiehallion on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Getting there: Blair Atholl station
Beinn a Ghlo; Glen Tilt corridor north to the Cairngorms
19km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TripSCOTBase yourself in Aberfeldy
Loch Tay base — Ben Lawers, Tarmachan ridge, Birks of Aberfeldy
15km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TasteSCOTAfter the hill: Aberfeldy
Aberfeldy — heart of Dewar's blends; honey-and-heather Highland style
16km from the hill
tastescot.co.uk
Schiehallion — common questions
- How hard is Schiehallion?
- Schiehallion is rated 4/5 (challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 18km with 953m of ascent and takes most walkers 6-9 hours. Terrain: The John Muir Trust restoration on the east ridge sets a benchmark for upland path engineering — neat flagstones carry walkers up the steep lower section.
- Where do I park for Schiehallion?
- Standard parking is at NN754557 near Perth. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.
- When is the best time to climb Schiehallion?
- The standard good-weather months for Schiehallion are May, June, July, August, September, October. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.
- Can I bring my dog up Schiehallion?
- Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.
- Is there mobile signal on Schiehallion?
- Good signal at the Schiehallion car park near Braes of Foss. Signal weakens above 800m. Download maps before setting off — the upper mountain is broad and featureless.
- Is Schiehallion safe in winter?
- A popular winter Munro by Perthshire standards. The upper boulder field becomes a serious snow-and-ice traverse — boulders mask under fresh snow and the gradient is sustained. Cornicing on the north sides above Gleann Mor. The Foss car park is gritted and reliable; the B846 is generally clear. SAIS Southern Cairngorms applies.
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