Conic Hill, Loch Lomond

About Conic Hill, Loch Lomond

This guide was updated in November 2024 as the major path upgrade of the last few years nears completion.

The view from Conic Hill is one of the best in Loch Lomond. Therefore, it is unsurprising that it is one of the country's most famous hill climbs. In addition, it's on the trail of the West Highland Way, and it is estimated that around 250,000 people climb Conic Hill each year.

This rapid rise in popularity now means the pathways need urgent repair (as seen in the photograph above). You can learn more about the repair project in this short film that our marketing business produced for the West Highland Way / Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park.

Where is Conic Hill?

Conic Hill (marked on the map below) is close to Balmaha and can be approached from the village. As mentioned, It is also on the route of the West Highland Way on the section between Drymen and Balmaha.

 

Conic Hill Repairs

With increasing numbers, its path is under significant pressure. A path survey in 2020 recommended replacing the existing path with stone pitching, resulting in an investment of over £900,000 by Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority for a three-year project of path repairs.

You can see below a photograph of a completed section, and you can read/see lots more photographs in a new guide we have just published on the Drymen to Balmaha walk (over Conic Hill).

DRYMEN TO BALMAHA

The 7-mile walk that culminates with a descent of Conic Hill is between the villages of Drymen and Balmaha, along the route of the West Highland Way (the 96-mile long-distance walk from Milngavie, just outside of Glasgow to Fort William.) Drymen to Balmaha is one of the most scenic legs of the West Highland Way, with dramatic views across Loch Lomond. 

Leaving the village of Drymen, walk along Stirling Road and pick up the West Highland Way path. Climb through the forest, which soon clears to allow first glimpses of the loch in the distance.

It's an enjoyable walk towards Conic Hill, with a steep climb at the end. However, once you get your breath back at the top, the hard work is soon forgotten as you gaze over Loch Lomond and its islands, with Ben Lomond in the distance. You can read more about this walk, and see pictures at our new Drymen to Balmaha walking guide.

CONIC HILL SUMMIT

Reaching the top of Conic Hill, you will most likely notice a significant increase in people as you meet those who have climbed from the Balmaha side. The descent is quite steep and is open until you reach the gate, which takes you into the forest and onto Balmaha's car park.

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FROM BALMAHA

If you're climbing Conic Hill from Balmaha, follow the path at the back of the public car park in Balmaha. Once you clear the forest, go through the turnstile, and climb some steps, the view will start to be visible over your shoulder. The more you climb, the better it gets.

To get to Balmaha, you can drive or cycle from the village of Drymen. A bus links Alexandria/Balloch with Balmaha, and you could arrive by water bus transfer from Luss. Read more about Balmaha in our guide, linked below.

HIGHLAND BOUNDARY FAULT

The Highland Boundary Fault is a significant geological feature that marks the transition between the rugged Highlands and the rolling Lowlands of Scotland. From Conic Hill, you can see clear evidence of this fault line in the dramatic landscape. The fault cuts across Loch Lomond, shaping the arrangement of its islands, which are aligned along the fault’s path. This alignment, combined with the distinct contrast between the steep hills to the north and the gentler slopes to the south, offers a striking visual representation of the earth’s ancient movements. The view from Conic Hill provides a fascinating glimpse into Scotland’s geological history.

If you plan to walk your dog on this route, please note that there are restrictions during lambing. The photograph below shows Conic Hill from Loch Lomond.

Drymen to Balmaha is one of my favourite walks in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs. Luckily, I live in Drymen, so it's right on my doorstep. Here are some views along the pathways.

Thanks for reading

Words and photography by Paul Saunders. Visit Paul’s Marketing and Photography websites for details of his services in Scotland.

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