Schiehallion

Schiehallion has a very characteristic pyramidal shape when viewed from the west. This shape looks like a volcano but if fact has been related by ice erosion. The rock that the majority of Schiehallion is made of is quartzite. Quartzite is a metamorphic rock created by the action of heat and pressure on sandstone. Around the flanks of the mountain there are bands of a rock called Schiehallion Boulder Bed. It is thought that it was created when floating ice dropped pebbles and boulders of a pink granite onto the sea bed. These where then incorporated into the sediment and consolidated by the pressure of gathering deposits above. The source rock was in Greenland but has now completely eroded away. The Schiehallion Boulder Bed occurs in patches to the south west as far as Islay.

The eastern side of Schiehallion is now owned by the John Muir Trust (their east Schiehallion Reserve). The Trust has created a compacted grit path that leads up to the ridge in order to help prevent erosion from the footfall of the approximately 25,000 walkers who ascent Schiehallion every year.

At various places around Schiehallion, Dalradian Limestone is to be found and this gives rise to habitats suitable for a number of lime loving flowers such as Globe flower, Rock Rose, Grass of Parnassus, Thyme, Wild Strawberry, Astragalus and Northern Felwort.

There are still Ptarmigan to be found on the higher ground although they must be at risk from climate change. Golden Eagles, Hen Harriers, Peregrine falcons, buzzards, short eared owls and kestrels are birds of prey that can be seen.

Schiehallion from Dalchosnie

Schiehallion from the Loch Tummel Road. (26/8/17)