Lying in the shadow of 'Schiehallion' , one of Scotland's famous Munros, Braes of Foss is one of the most reliable areas in Perthshire to observe black grouse. It is well worth including this area with any of the small lochans that lie between here and Aberfeldy for scottish gems such as black-throated diver. The RSPB hold black grouse watches here (check RSPB web site for details).The eastside of Schiehallion is now owned and managed by the John Muir Trust and supports a rich variety of upland habitats. Heather-dominated heathland on the lower slopes is interspersed with other vegetation types including bracken, bog and small areas of herb-rich grassland and base-enriched flush. Locally there are patches of limestone pavement, rare in Scotland. At higher altitudes there are blaeberry (Vaccinium) heaths, and the summit ridge has bare blocks of shattered quartzite and patches of heath and bog. Woodland with birch, aspen, rowan and willow survives in the Allt Mor and other gorges, where it was protected from grazing and fire.

Over 60 species of mainly upland birds have been recorded on Schiehallion, though not all breed there. Important breeding species include hen harrier, merlin (pictured), ptarmigan, black grouse, ring ouzel and twite. As vegetation responds to changing management, it is anticipated that many bird species will benefit from increased shrub growth, though some open ground dependent species may decline in the long term.

*It is not advisable to climb to the top of Schiehallion unless you are an experienced walker. Although the path is very good, it ends before a substantial and extremely difficult bolder field which is extremely hazardous (see video section). Birds such as ptarmigan / ring ouzel etc are seen far easier on cairngorm (see Badenoch & Strathspey section)

Main picture. Ptarmigan by Svenni

We highly recommend the publications below to compliment your visit to this Region.

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