Standing tall and proud at 1,083 m (3,553 ft), the mighty Schiehallion Mountain dominates the Highland Skyline here in picturesque Perthshire, it’s formidable size and striking features lending a certain sense of the majestic to otherwise tranquil surroundings.
This bold and brilliant beauty, combined with a fascinating botanical, geological and archaeological make-up have made the Schiehallion one of the Highland’s most popular mountains.
Year after year, scores of hardy adventurers lace up their boots and set off to take on the challenge of a lifetime – scaling all 1,083 metres to the mountain summit.
If you’re planning to join them this summer, here’s your complete to guide to everything you might need to know, courtesy of the Dunalastair Hotel Suites, Perthshire.
An Incredible Challenge for All Abilities
Looming large in the background of our luxury hotel in Kinloch Rannoch, part of the Schiehallion unwavering popularity can be attributed to its reputation as one of the best mountains for beginners to climb.
As such, this monumental natural wonder does serve as the perfect starting point for anyone looking to cross “conquer a mountain” off their bucket list.
Yet that’s not to say that more experienced Munro baggers won’t enjoy the ascent.
From the gentle, tree-lined pathways and forests that make up the surrounding foothills to the glistening, snow-capped peaks, every step revealing a brand new view, and a brand new challenge.
The Higher You go, The Harder You Climb
If there’s one thing about climbing the Schiehallion Mountain that you absolutely need to know before you make your ascent – it’s that the munro is very deceptive in the early going.
Though still enough to give any moderately fit walker a decent workout, the most popular route (starting from the Braes of Foss car park in Pitlochry, about 17 minutes from our hotel in Kinloch Rannoch) does give climbers a helping hand.
After its popularity among climbers led to erosion in certain parts of the mountain, the John Muir Trust stepped in, building a route that takes you along dry, firm ground up to around 900 metres.
And therein lies the deception.
For the last hundred metres or so, the Schiehallion turns from an amiable leisure walk into an untamed beast that needs serious effort to conquer.
As such, it pays to be well-prepared.
Getting Ready for the Climb of Your Life
At a bare minimum, no attempt at climbing the Schiehallion Mountain should be undertaken without taking a water bottle and some food.
Scottish weather can be notoriously unpredictable, whilst the colder temperatures at the summit will make you seriously regret not taking extra layers.
What’s more, whilst the initial climb along the defined pathway may only take you an hour, that last part of the ascent as you go off the beaten track can take almost three or four times as long, meaning you’ll need sustenance along the way.
If you’re staying with us at the Dunalastair Hotel Suites, our team can prepare you a freshly-made packed lunch with plenty of fuel for the climb, whilst a number of nearby stores also supply enough grub to keep you going.
A Breathtaking View Like Nowhere Else on Earth
As if the remarkable sense of achievement that fills your very being when you reach the summit isn’t enough of a reward for conquering the challenge laid down by the Schiehallion Mountain, the views from the top certainly will be.
Unbridled beauty spilling out for miles in every direction, radiant views full of acres of greenery, vast, deep-blue lochs, and idyllic towns and villages await, whilst on a clear day, you’ll be able to see as far out as Ben Nevis, all the way over in Fort William.
A Heroes’ Welcome At Your Five-Star Luxury Hotel
The rewards don’t end there, either.
Perfectly located at the foot of the mountain sits the Dunalastair Hotel Suites, one of the leading five-star hotels in Scotland.
Renowned for our exquisite luxury, impeccable style and outstanding service, we pull out all the stops to ensure you receive a true hero’s welcome after taking on the challenge of a lifetime.
After soaking off those tired muscles in our elegantly-designed en-suite bathrooms (making sure to pamper yourself with our complimentary White Company toiletries of course), join us at Monadh Dining, our own in-house restaurant, for a well-earned celebratory meal.
There, some of Scotland’s finest chefs will get to work on cooking up a feast befitting a valiant adventurer, using only the freshest ingredients procured from local suppliers.
Finally, head back to your boutique hotel suite, sprawl out on our bespoke beds, custom made to deliver the ultimate in comfort and relaxation, and enjoy the most peaceful night’s sleep you can imagine, all whilst dreaming of your next big adventure.
Based less than 20 minutes away from Braes of Foss, a popular starting point for climbing the Schiehallion Mountain, the Dunalastair Hotel Suites in Kinloch Rannoch look forward to welcoming you on your next Highland adventure.
For our best available rates, book directly via our website, or to speak to one of our team about your stay call now on +44 (0)1882 580444.