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It's more
than poetic to state that this hill lies in the very heart of Scotland
- various measurements looking at the geography of Scotland have the geometric
centre of the country as being very close to Schiehallion - which lies
just across the glen from Beinn a'Chuallaich (hill of the herding). It's
called the Hill of the Herding due to its close proximity to one of the
great drove roads of Scotland.
The drive
down the B846 is leafy and scenic though its various bends demands concentration.
Turn north up the B847 road (signed Trinafour etc) and stop just after
emerging from forestry with space for a car or two at a sheep fank. Tracks
up the field opposite lead to a bothy hidden behind a knoll. Take a path
past this, south up the forest edge before heading west then WNW by the
burn which descends from the coire between Beinn a'Chuallaich and Meall
nan Eun. For part of the way is a fine old drystane dyke.
The heather
and bracken gradually give way to easier going in the coire. Gain the
bealach between the two peaks and finish up the easy short ridge to the
summit of Beinn a'Chuallaich. There is a fine, large cairn past the trig
point. The views are excellent, particularly up the length of Loch Rannoch,
while Schiehallion's shady bulk dominates to the south. Return by the
same way, or read on.
If you have
bikes, or can arrange transport, the walk can be varied by continuing
down to the west, avoiding some small crags, to cross a stalker's path.
Continue southwest down the slopes of Creagan Breac to gain the banks
of the Allt Mor. Descend south next to the burn to cross a bridge just
above the trees and finish down the steep path next to a waterslide to
reach Kinloch Rannoch.
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