Highlights of Glencoe & the Highlands

Our guide Alan hiking Schiehallion.

One of the most rewarding days on the Glencoe & the Highlands trip is the ascent of Schiehallion. At 1,083 m (3,552 ft), it rises proudly above Highland Perthshire and is one of Scotland’s most recognisable mountains. Its near-perfect conical shape has inspired myths for centuries, earning it the name “Fairy Hill of Caledonia”.

Schiehallion is famous not just for folklore but also for science—in 1774 it was the site of an ambitious experiment to calculate the mass of the Earth, chosen for its isolated and symmetrical profile.

What surprised me most, though, was how approachable the climb felt. Often described as one of Scotland’s most accessible Munros, the well-made path makes for a steady walk across open heather moorland. Then comes the final section: a sprawling boulder field that suddenly turns the hike into a careful scramble, adding enough challenge to make the summit feel earned.

And the reward? Sweeping views over Loch Rannoch, Loch Tummel and even the Cairngorms shimmering in the distance. A perfect blend of myth, history, and mountain magic.

Distance: 11 km / 7 miles (round trip from the car park)
Time: 5–6 hours
Terrain: Well-maintained mountain path with long ascent; some steep sections
Difficulty: Strenuous / Munro-level hike

The walk is about a 2.25 miles (3.5 km) loop trail, making it an easy outing that most people can enjoy in under two hours. The path climbs gently through birch and oak woodland, with a few steeper stretches, but the reward is well worth it. As you ascend, the sound of rushing water grows louder until the falls suddenly come into view, tumbling in a slender white ribbon down a sheer rock face into a shaded pool. After rain, the cascade is thunderous; in dry weather, it becomes a graceful silver thread.

Along the way, benches provide welcome spots to pause and soak in the views. In spring, bluebells and wildflowers line the path; in autumn, the forest glows gold and amber, making this a walk for all seasons.

Distance: 2.25 miles / 3.5 km (loop)
Time: 1.5–2 hours
Terrain: Steep, rough, and rocky paths with some uneven sections
Difficulty: Moderate

On the last day of the Glencoe & the Highlands trip, we visited the quiet village of Balquhidder, which set the stage for a memorable farewell. At first glance, it seemed like any other Highland settlement, but stepping into Kirkton Glen felt like walking straight into Scotland’s history and folklore.

This peaceful glen, tucked behind Balquhidder Church, was once the stronghold of the legendary outlaw Rob Roy MacGregor, whose grave lies at the churchyard entrance. Knowing this made the walk feel even more atmospheric. The path followed the river before rising into woodland of birch, rowan and oak. As we continued, the landscape opened up to reveal sweeping views of Loch Voil and the surrounding hills.

We kept to the main 2-mile (3 km) out-and-back trail, though adventurous walkers can venture further for wilder scenery and a real taste of the Highlands. Afterwards, we gathered for our last lunch at Mhor 84, a cosy spot nearby that felt like the perfect place to reflect on the week, share stories from the trip and say our goodbyes.

Distance: 2 miles / 3 km (out-and-back)
Time: 1–1.5 hours
Terrain: Woodland paths with gentle climbs; some uneven sections
Difficulty: Easy