Creag nam Mial

Rising above the Tay Valley near Pitlochry, this heather-clad Marilyn offers a quieter alternative to its more famous neighbours. The ascent through forestry and open moorland leads to a summit trig pillar with an exceptional view of Schiehallion’s iconic profile and the sprawling waters of Loch Tummel to the north.

• •The name translates from Scottish Gaelic as 'the crag of the animals' or 'the crag of the beasts', likely referring to the local abundance of red deer or mountain hares found across the moorland.
• •From the summit, you can look directly across the valley to the distinctive pointed peak of Ben Vrackie and the sprawling granite massif of Beinn a' Ghlo to the northeast.
• •Its status as a Marilyn—a hill with at least 150 metres of prominence—ensures it sees a steady trickle of visitors despite being frequently overlooked in favour of the nearby Munros.
• •While the Gaelic name promises 'beasts', the most common wildlife you will actually encounter on the final heathery push is the humble, and often hungry, sheep.