Bagging My 20th Munro - Schiehallion

Feeling on Top of the World

Munros in Scotland

There are 282 Munro’s in Scotland and I was lucky to have bagged my 20^th in September this year.  

Path on the way up to Schiehallion

A Munro is a Scottish mountain which is 3,000ft/914 metres or above in height.

Schiehallion

Schiehallion is in Perthshire and stands at 3,547 ft (1,083 m) and is one of the most climbed hills in Scotland.  Its name derives from the Gaelic Sith Chaillean, which means ‘Fairy Hill of the Caledonians’.

My Return to Hill Walking

I had been trying to get back into hill walking for the last few years but had been doing a lot of running therefore hill walking had taken a bit of a back bencher unless it was walking up my local Kilpatrick Hills.  I was determined that this year I was going to bag my 20^th Munro.  

The Mountains Call You

As a walker I feel that the hills call me. If I haven’t been on them for a while I  really miss them.  They have a magic about them whilst also a danger element. Maybe it's the sheer size of them that makes you feel small.  The clarity I get when on the hills makes me want more.  

I chose Schiehallion as a few walkers I know have said it is one of the easier ones and I thought best to ease myself back in gently.  It's also steeped in folklore with some saying it has an otherworldly feel to it. 

Stunning View from Schiehallion

My friend Deborah and I set off early on the Saturday morning as it takes two hours for us to get to Perth.  The journey up in the car was jovial but we were both slightly nervous.  This was Deborah’s second munro and although it was going to be my 20^th I normally go out with experienced walkers and had never taken anyone up a munro on my own.  I had looked on the Walk Highlands website beforehand and knew this particular munro was well pathed and you couldn’t really get lost.

It was a beautiful, glorious sunny day but we were prepared for changes in the unpredictable Scottish weather.  Our bags were packed with enough food to feed an army, extra layers of clothing and most importantly water to keep us hydrated.

As we arrive at Braes of Foss car park we catch our first glimpse of the mountain we are going to conquer. 

Deborah and I have agreed we are just going to take our time today.  We are in no rush and really want to enjoy the experience.  We set off with excitement and anticipation although slightly nervous.

It’s A Challenge

Munros are definitely challenging but that’s what makes me want to do them.  It’s the whole idea of ticking something off my list, pushing my body out of its comfort zone, getting the adrenaline going and that sense of achievement when you reach the summit.

Wildlife

At the start of the path is a sign welcoming you to East Schiehallion. It describes the various wildlife you may encounter such as golden eagles, merlin, stonechat, red or roe deer, mountain hares or otters unfortunately on this occasion we never got to see any of these.

Welcome to East Schiehallion

John Muir Trust

East Schiehallion was acquired by The John Muir Trust in 1999 who along with volunteers and locals have repaired the path which had previously been eroded due to the sheer volume of walkers conquering this great mountain.  It sees approximately 20,000 visitors per year.

The Journey up the Mountain

The path is straight forward and we find our walking rhythm.  Sometimes we would walk together and other times we would be a good few metres apart both enjoying either the company or the solitude, both thinking our own thoughts and breathing in the fresh Scottish air. 

The mountain isn’t overly busy today to my surprise and if I’m honest I'm pleased.  I don’t like it when the mountains are overly busy.

                                           Loch Tummel

Loch Tummel in the Distance

As we ascend we start to see Loch Tummel in the distance. Today we get stunning views with a crystal-clear blue sky and dashes of white cloud.  It’s warm enough to have one layer on.  The path is straightforward.

Boulders Galore

Nothing had quite prepared me for how many boulders you have to manoeuvre in, out and over; they seem to go on for miles and miles.  You really have to concentrate not to lose your footing and its quite taxing on your feet due to the terrain being tougher here.  There are a few false cairns but eventually we get to the top.

                              

The Views

A False Summit

The views are exquisite.  You can see Rannoch Moor (which I write about in my other blog as it’s part of the West Highland Way, see bottom of page for link) and the peaks of Glen Coe.  It’s much cooler at the summit and after 5 minutes we have to put more layers on.  

Getting to the Top

  

Deborah & I at the summit

Our faces say it all.  We are delighted that we’ve made it to the top, we've both reached our goal and essentially proved to ourselves that we can achieve anything we set our minds to.  We revel in the beauty of the scenery before our eyes.

When I’m at the top I feel slightly nervous.  Not sure if I mentioned I’m scared of heights – you would never think it but I like my feet firmly on the ground and when I look over edges I get a bit wobbly.  However, never one to shy away from the camera and a photo opportunity we pose for some more pictures and decide to settle down and have some lunch whilst enjoying the fine landscapes that are on offer.

Me at the Summit

We take in the views for some time then make our descent back down the way we came.

We’ve had an awesome day, a great workout, and are both happy that we’ve both completed the challenge we set out to do.

Happiest When up a Mountain

Why I love Walking the Mountains

I get to take in the spectacular scenery and wilderness of Scotland, the mental & physical challenge, the sense of achievement both at the top and when you get back down to the bottom, the company, conversations and the total sense of freedom.

Can you tell I'm happy?

If you would like to find out more about Scotland's Munros I recommend Cameron McNeish's book https://www.amazon.co.uk/Munros-Scotlands-Highest-Mountains-2014/dp/1842040820/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1540938891&sr=8-1&keywords=the+munros+cameron+mcneish


Link to West Highland Way Blog https://louisegetsouttoexercise.blogspot.com/2018/10/10-reasons-to-walk-west-highland-way.html