Perthshire
Schiehallion — Parking
Braes of Foss Car Park · Grid ref NN 753 556 · PH16 5NL · John Muir Trust charge applies (£5 approx)
Quick facts
- Grid reference
- NN 753 556
- Postcode (satnav)
- PH16 5NL
- Spaces
- ~60
- Cost
- John Muir Trust charge applies (£5 approx)
- Surface
- gravel
- Drive from Glasgow
- 1h 55m
- Drive from Edinburgh
- 1h 35m
From the car park
From the car park, the John Muir Trust path begins through heather moorland heading north-west. The route is excellently waymarked and stone-pitched on the lower sections. After crossing open ground the path climbs the east ridge of Schiehallion — a long, stony spine that levels before rising to the quartzite summit at 1,083m. The path is well-signed from the car park and impossible to miss in good visibility.
The walk
Schiehallion (1,083m) is one of Scotland's most distinctive Munros — a perfect cone visible from much of Perthshire. The route from Braes of Foss is 13km return with 750m of ascent. The east ridge path is straightforward in good conditions but the quartzite boulder field near the summit is energy-sapping and ankle-twisting. Schiehallion has historical significance — it was used in 1774 by Nevil Maskelyne to calculate the mass of the Earth (the Schiehallion Experiment). On a clear day the view ranges from Ben Nevis to the Cairngorms.
Facilities
- Toilets
- Information board
- Summit path from car park
Busy times
Schiehallion is one of Perthshire's most-climbed hills and the car park fills quickly on fine weekend days from May to October. August sees the heaviest footfall. Mid-week and early-morning starts are strongly recommended. The JMT charge for parking helps manage numbers — payment at the machine or online. Winter visits (November–March) see far fewer people.
Getting here without a car
Schiehallion is not well-served by public transport. The nearest bus connections are Aberfeldy (15km south, served by Stagecoach 23 from Perth) or Kinloch Rannoch (10km north-west, limited service). A taxi from Aberfeldy or Pitlochry is the most practical option without a car. The B846 road to Braes of Foss is narrow and not on any regular bus route.
Winter access
The B846 approach road is not routinely gritted and can become icy or snow-covered in winter. The car park itself is accessible in all but extreme conditions. The summit ridge and quartzite boulder field hold snow well into April and become genuinely icy with overnight frost — crampons and ice axe essential if snow is present. The hill is exposed to westerly winds; winter conditions can be severe even when the valley is mild.
Overflow parking
Very limited. No suitable roadside alternative. Arrive early on busy days.
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:21
- Sunset
- 21:05
- Civil dawn
- 04:34
- Civil dusk
- 21:52
NOAA Solar Calculator · 5 May 2026
Frequently asked questions
- Why is there a parking charge at Schiehallion?
- The John Muir Trust, who manage Schiehallion, charge for parking to fund path maintenance on the hill. The east ridge path has been significantly upgraded with stone pitching — the charge directly funds this work. It costs approximately £5 per vehicle.
- Is Schiehallion a good beginner Munro?
- Schiehallion is often recommended as a first Munro due to its clear path and single ridge route. However, the quartzite boulder field near the summit is tiring and can be treacherous when wet or icy. Good walking boots are essential. In winter conditions it becomes a serious undertaking.
- What is the Schiehallion Experiment?
- In 1774, astronomer Nevil Maskelyne used Schiehallion's regular cone shape to calculate the mass and density of the Earth by measuring the gravitational deflection of a plumb line on its sides. This experiment also led mathematician Charles Hutton to develop contour lines as a mapping concept.
- How long does Schiehallion take from the car park?
- Most walkers take 4–5 hours return from Braes of Foss car park. The ascent is approximately 2.5–3 hours; descent 1.5–2 hours. The boulder field near the summit slows progress considerably — don't underestimate the final section.