Schiehallion from Braes of Foss
Hillwalking route up Schiehallion from Braes of Foss. A popular, fairly easy Munro and distinctive peak - often the first Munro for many hillwalkers.
Route outline
| Munros | ||||
| Ascent | 750m (2460ft) | |||
| Distance | 10km (6m) | |||
| Time | 3:45hr* | |||
| Start/finish | Braes of Foss, Kinloch Rannoch Grid Ref : NN753556 | |||
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| Nav |
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Schiehallion is one of Scotland’s most recognisable mountains, standing fairly isolated above Rannoch and Tummel. From the west it appears sharply pointed, while from the south and north it takes on a broad whale-back shape.
This hillwalking route from Braes of Foss follows the line most commonly taken to the summit of this popular and relatively straightforward Munro, often the first for many hillwalkers.
From Braes of Foss, a well-constructed path climbs through John Muir Trust land on Schiehallion’s eastern flank. The path rises to around 870m, after which care is needed while crossing the remaining 2km of heather and boulderfield towards the summit. In mist the path across the boulderfield can easily be lost, so good navigation is required.
This hillwalking route from Braes of Foss follows the line most commonly taken to the summit of this popular and relatively straightforward Munro, often the first for many hillwalkers.
From Braes of Foss, a well-constructed path climbs through John Muir Trust land on Schiehallion’s eastern flank. The path rises to around 870m, after which care is needed while crossing the remaining 2km of heather and boulderfield towards the summit. In mist the path across the boulderfield can easily be lost, so good navigation is required.
Route map
Route description
1. Getting to Braes of Foss
The shieling by Schiehallion's path
The fairly narrow roads into the area are best accessed from the A9 at either Ballinuig or just north of Pitlochry.
Just south of the highest point on the Aberfeldy-Tummel Bridge road (B846), a sign points west to 'Schiehallion Road'.
Follow this road for 3km to a car-park by Braes of Foss.
In winter this road doesn't seem to be well-gritted !
Just south of the highest point on the Aberfeldy-Tummel Bridge road (B846), a sign points west to 'Schiehallion Road'.
Follow this road for 3km to a car-park by Braes of Foss.
In winter this road doesn't seem to be well-gritted !
2. Schiehallion
On way up Schiehallion with Meall Tairneachan in distance
From the Braes of Foss car-park, head to its southern end and through a gate to a couple of information boards put up by the John Muir Trust. The old wet route, which is slowly being taken back by nature, used to head around the northern side of the forest seen ahead.
The current route heads south around this forest
on a well constructed path. The path starts to turn, meets up with a stone fank 
and crosses an old faint track.
It then starts to climb, passing a few stone 'chairs' that make for a fine picnic spot looking onto Meall Tairneachan and over to Beinn a'Ghlo.
The path twists as it continues to rise and ends abruptly
at around the 870m contour at a fine view looking north.
Now on boulderfield and through heather with a bit of peat-bog, head westwards.
A cairn is seen ahead, this is not the summit. Nor is the next one !
Heather is left behind and now just boulderfield
- requiring concentration and is at odds with the path left behind.
Eventually Schiehallion's slabby summit 
is reached with its vast and outstanding views. I've been up this hill som many times, and each time that I have reached the summit on clear days, I am still stunned by the beauty of the area.
The current route heads south around this forest
on a well constructed path. The path starts to turn, meets up with a stone fank and crosses an old faint track. It then starts to climb, passing a few stone 'chairs' that make for a fine picnic spot looking onto Meall Tairneachan and over to Beinn a'Ghlo.
The path twists as it continues to rise and ends abruptly
at around the 870m contour at a fine view looking north. Now on boulderfield and through heather with a bit of peat-bog, head westwards.
A cairn is seen ahead, this is not the summit. Nor is the next one !
Heather is left behind and now just boulderfield
- requiring concentration and is at odds with the path left behind. On Schiehallion's summit
is reached with its vast and outstanding views. I've been up this hill som many times, and each time that I have reached the summit on clear days, I am still stunned by the beauty of the area.On Schiehallion's summit
3. Return to Braes of Foss
Leaving Schiehallion's summit in winter
The easiest way back is to return by the same route.
GPX downloads and maps
Paper maps:
OS Landranger 51
Harvey Mountain Map, Schiehallion and Lawers
Route profile
Weather forecasts
| Regional | MWIS - Southeast Highlands |
| Peak specific | Mountain Forecast.com Met Office YR.no |
| Seasonal | SAIS - Glencoe Midge forecast |
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* Times shown are estimates – see timing notes on the disclaimer page for more information.
