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Schiehallion and a late lunch at Victoria's
Pitlochry

Schiehallion – Climbing the Fairy Hill

A few hours.

Directions

The route

Schiehallion is the lone, shapely peak you see from Loch Rannoch and Queen's View, and at 1,083 metres it's a real mountain.

Forestry and Land Scotland calls it one of the easiest to climb in good weather, on a well-made path most of the way. Give it a clear day and about five hours up and down from the Braes of Foss, then a hot meal in Pitlochry. It suits fit walkers who know their way on a hill.

Before you go

  1. Book accommodation nearby

    If you are staying over: here are ours nearest where the day starts and ends.

    The nearest of ours is Charlottefield, 4 miles away. Sleeps 4.

The day

Schiehallion

A big hill on a good path. Up over the moor to the long summit ridge and along the boulders to the top, then down the same way to a well-earned meal in Pitlochry.

About seven hoursAbout 5.5 miles on foot

  1. Schiehallion

    Schiehallion

    An attraction

    The walk starts at the Braes of Foss car park, below the hill's east end, on the road past Tummel Bridge. It's a Forestry and Land Scotland pay car park (bring coins or a card, or use the RingGo app) with no toilets, and it fills early on fine weekends, so have another walk in mind. A memorial at the entrance remembers the Astronomer Royal, Nevil Maskelyne, who camped on the hill in 1774 to weigh the world. The way to the top is about 4.5 km, first south-west and then west along the hill's long ridge. The John Muir Trust's built path goes as far as the rocky summit ridge, and from there it's rocks and boulders to the top, slow going and hard on ankles. Allow about five hours there and back, and turn round if the cloud comes down or the wind gets up. There are no waymarks on the hill, so carry a map and compass and know how to use them. From November to February be on the path by 9.30am, as it's dark soon after 3.30pm in December. In snow or ice the ridge needs winter boots, an ice axe and crampons, and the skill to use them. Keep dogs on a lead near sheep.

    More about Schiehallion

  2. 38 min by car

    Victoria's

    Victoria's

    Lunch

    Then drive 38 minutes by Loch Tummel to Victoria's on Atholl Road in Pitlochry, a family-run bistro on a stone corner with green awnings, in the town since 1996. It opens every day from 11am for brunch, lunch and dinner, with ciabattas, soups and salads at lunch and separate gluten-free, vegan and lactose-free menus. From November to April its kitchen may close between 3pm and 5pm, so ring ahead, and if it is closed make it an early supper.

    More about Victoria's

If it rains

In rain, low cloud or high wind, leave the summit for another day: walk the John Muir Trust's Foss Loop instead, an easy 1.5 km path and boardwalk from the same car park, then head back to Victoria's.