Schiehallion Mountain
Prominent Scottish mountain once used to estimate Earth's mass
Conical mountain in Perthshire popular with hillwalkers; Schiehallion is known for well‑waymarked routes and the 18th‑century experiment that estimated Earth's mass.
Schiehallion at a Glance#
Address: Schiehallion, Perth and Kinross, Scotland (grid reference NN 7197 5940)
Admission: Free (access via public trails); mountain bothy or guided fees vary
About Schiehallion#
Schiehallion is a conical mountain in Perthshire, Scotland, reaching about 1,083 metres and known for its distinct shape and clear summit views.
Schiehallion became notable in the 18th century as the site of the Schiehallion experiment, an early geophysical measurement led by Nevil Maskelyne intended to estimate the Earth’s density; the mountain’s regular shape made it suitable for the survey. It has since remained a popular mountaineering and scientific landmark.
The mountain sits on the edge of the Highlands in central Scotland near Loch Rannoch and is accessible from nearby glens and small communities in Perthshire.
- Height: The mountain rises to about 1,083 metres and is one of the more prominent peaks in Perthshire, favoured by hikers for straightforward but rewarding ascents.
- Scientific history: An 18th-century scientific experiment to estimate the mass of the Earth - the Schiehallion experiment led by Nevil Maskelyne - was carried out on this mountain, giving it scientific as well as recreational significance.
What to See#
- Summit: The broad summit ridge at 1,083 metres that provides a clear, conical profile and panoramic views across central Scotland.
- Ascent routes: The main ascent paths from the glens to the east and west, used by hillwalkers to reach the summit and enjoy the mountain’s well-defined trails.
How to Get to Schiehallion#
Access from the A827 (Braes of Aberfeldy) or via the village of Tummel Bridge. The standard route starts from the Strominish car park (near the A827); allow 2-4 hours return depending on pace. The area is remote-use detailed Ordnance Survey maps and local weather reports.
Tips for Visiting Schiehallion#
- Plan for unpredictable weather and bring a map-mobile coverage is unreliable on parts of the route.
- Start early; the ascent rewards morning light and reduces the chance of afternoon storms.
- Use properly fitted boots and poles for the rocky summit plateau-legroom on the ascent is limited and footing quickly becomes rough.
Best Time to Visit Schiehallion#
Late spring to early autumn for safer conditions and better visibility.
Weather & Climate near Schiehallion#
Schiehallion's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -2°C to 14°C. Heavy rainfall (2168 mm/year), wettest in January.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -2° - 2° | -7° | 282 mm | overcast | 97% | 9.5 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.4h |
| February | Poor | -2° - 2° | -7° | 183 mm | overcast | 95% | 9.2 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.3h |
| March | Poor | -2° - 3° | -6° | 197 mm | overcast | 93% | 8.6 m/s | 0.3 low | 11.7h |
| April | Poor | -1° - 6° | -3° | 114 mm | overcast | 89% | 7.4 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 14.0h |
| May | Poor | 2° - 10° | 2° | 116 mm | overcast | 87% | 6.6 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 16.2h |
| June | Poor | 5° - 12° | 5° | 111 mm | overcast | 87% | 6.5 m/s | 1.1 high | 17.3h |
| July | Poor | 7° - 14° | 10° | 119 mm | overcast | 88% | 6.2 m/s | 1.0 high | 16.8h |
| August | Poor | 7° - 13° | 10° | 139 mm | overcast | 90% | 6.2 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 14.9h |
| September | Poor | 5° - 11° | 4° | 193 mm | overcast | 92% | 7.2 m/s | 0.5 low | 12.6h |
| October | Poor | 3° - 7° | 0° | 233 mm | overcast | 94% | 8.2 m/s | 0.2 low | 10.2h |
| November | Poor | 0° - 4° | -4° | 236 mm | overcast | 96% | 8.9 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.0h |
| December | Poor | -2° - 3° | -6° | 245 mm | overcast | 97% | 8.4 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.7h |
