East Highlands

The East Highlands bring together the mountains and glens of Highland Perthshire, from the Ben Lawers range and Loch Tay to Schiehallion, Glen Lyon and Loch Rannoch. The landscape is greener and more settled than the western Highlands, but the higher ground remains broad, exposed and capable of producing thoroughly Highland weather.

Ben Lawers is the region’s highest mountain and the centre of a substantial group of Munros. Its neighbouring ridges allow several summits to be linked in a day, while the Tarmachan Ridge provides a rockier alternative with short sections of straightforward scrambling.

North of Loch Tay, Glen Lyon reaches deep into the mountains through farmland, woodland and increasingly remote upper glen. Several quiet Munro rounds begin here, including the Carn Mairg circuit and the hills above Loch an Daimh.

Schiehallion stands apart near Loch Rannoch, its remarkably even profile making it one of Scotland’s most recognisable mountains. Further east, lower hills around Aberfeldy and Pitlochry provide shorter days through woodland, moorland and river valleys.

Old drove roads remain important walking routes throughout the region. The Cateran Trail uses many of them on its journey through Perthshire and the Angus glens.

The East Highlands suit both summit collectors and walkers who prefer their mountains with forests, waterfalls and a reasonably welcoming village waiting below.