Schiehallion (is a prominent mountain in Perth and Kinross, Scotland.
It is popular with walkers due to its accessibility, ease of ascent and
spectacular views; in 2000 it was estimated that between 17,500 and
20,000 walkers a year made the ascent. Since 1999 the eastern side
of the mountain has been owned by the John Muir Trust.
The name Schiehallion is an anglicised form of the Gaelic name Sìdh Chailleann,
which is usually translated as 'Fairy Hill of the Caledonians' but may also be
translated as 'The Maiden's Pap', or 'Constant Storm'
Ascent
By far the most commonly used route starts from the Brae of Foss car park,
which is maintained by the Forestry Commission, and lies just outside the
boundary of the John Muir Trust estate. The route, which initially heads southwest
before turning west to follow the main ridgeline of the hill, is about 4.5 km in length.
It had become exceedingly eroded by the passage of many thousands of walkers
by the time the estate came into the hands of the John Muir Trust, and the scar was
visible from quite a distance. The organisation therefore decided to construct a
new path, following a slightly different line, that would be better able to
handle the pressure of visitors.
