Panorama of Conic Hill hike in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs area in Scotland
Panorama of Conic Hill hike in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs area in Scotland

Conic Hill Walk

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs
View Photos
Conic Hill hike in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs region in ScotlandAncient forest trail on Conic Hill hike in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs region in ScotlandHighland cow on Conic Hill hike in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs region in ScotlandEast from the ascent of Conic Hill hike in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs region in ScotlandLoch Lomond view from Conic Hill hike in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs region in ScotlandPlains to the south of Conic Hill hike in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs region in ScotlandAscent on Conic Hill hike in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs region in ScotlandRidge on Conic Hill hike in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs region in ScotlandLoch Lomond on Conic Hill hike in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs region in ScotlandSteep ascent on Conic Hill walk in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs region in Scotland

Conic Hill Walk

Distance: 2.5mi
Elevation: 1,063ft
Time: 1.5-2.5h

Difficulty Rating:

User Ratings:
9.3 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty

The Conic Hill walk is a short, but steep hike from Balmaha, which takes you to the summit of Conic Hill. From the top the views out across Loch Lomond and its many islands are truly incredible. This is a great walk, especially if looking for something a little bit shorter.

Conic Hill Walk Map

Getting there

To get to the Conic Hill trailhead, from Drymen, follow the B837 North to Balmaha. Follow the east shores of Loch Lomond. After 4.0mi you’ll get to Balmaha. Parking is available here on the right and is free of charge. Follow the signs.

I’ve done this 57 people have done this
I want to do this 50 want to do this route

About

When to do

Year round

Backcountry Campsites

No

Toilets

Yes, at trailhead

Family friendly

No

Route Signage

Poor

Crowd Levels

High

Route Type

Out and back


Conic Hill Walk
Elevation Graph


Conic Hill Walking Route Description

To start the Conic Hill walk, set out on the distinctive path directly from the car park. Walk along the mall footpath until you arrive at a T-junction, head right here onto the larger track. Follow this trail to a second junction and turn left. This section of the hike is part of the West Highland Way, and it is marked by a thistle symbol.

The path climbs through ancient woodland. Follow the steps up to a small gate to leave the forest. From here you will be able to see the Conic Hill up ahead. Continue on the main path as it climbs, taking you around the back of Conic Hill. There are spectacular views back down to Loch Lomond and its islands, so don’t forget to look back (always a good excuse for a breather!).

Stay on the main path as it swings right around the back of Conic Hill and continues at a gentler climb.

At 984ft, you’ll take the path to the right that leads up to the ridge of Conic Hill. Continue away from the Loch along the ridge as the path climbs and falls. At 1312ft you should reach the summit. This stage is a little slow going as the ground is uneven, loose, and there are some steep sections.

From the summit, Ben Lomond can be seen further up the Loch, as well as the Arrochar Alps on the far side of the water to the north. When you’re ready to return, follow the ascent route to the first dip where a path veers off steeply to the right to take you back down to the West Highland Way.

Once on the West Highland Way, turn left and retrace your steps back to Balmaha.

Frequently Asked Questions About Conic Hill

How long does it take to walk up Conic Hill?
Depending on how fast you walk, it can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Is Conic Hill hard to climb?
It’s a bit of a steep climb, but rather short so we’d rate it about a 2 on the difficulty scale.

Is Conic Hill A Munro?
No, it is not, but it makes for a great training hill before attempting a Munro hill.

Is Conic Hill steep?
Yes, the Conic Hill is steep and requires a general fitness level to climb.

Is Conic Hill suitable for dogs?
Yes, dogs are welcome and the hill is suitable for active dogs.

Can you camp on Conic Hill?
There are no campgrounds, but you are welcome to wild camp in Scotland.

Is Conic Hill part of the West Highland Way?
The Conic Hill is one of the final highlights of the West Highland Way.

Where do you park to climb Conic Hill?
There is a Conic Hill parking lot. Enter Conic Hill Carpark, Stirling, Balmaha, Glasgow G63 0JQ, United Kingdom into your GPS to find the spot.

Check out more amazing walks in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, like the Ben A’an, Ben Venue, Ben Lomond, or Loch Venachar.

Insider Hints

  • The pub in Balmaha - at the Oak Tree Inn - is a proper Scottish treat, and it’s a great place to sit and enjoy a drink in the sunshine with views down to the Loch.

  • For those who prefer coffee or ice cream, the St Mocha Coffee Shop and Ice Cream Parlour is wonderful!

  • When you round the back of Conic Hill, look out for the Highland cows!

  • You can easily head down to the shores of Loch Lomond; turn right from the car park, and then turn left onto the shore.

Comments

Fran Cine 4 years ago

Rewarding views all over Loch Lomond. Great walk, up and down in around an hour.

9.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
2h 15m Time Taken
Felix Legrand 4 years ago

Conic Hill is a wonderful walk and little to moderate walk

9.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
Bret Yates 4 years ago

We had an epic adventure here. Walking through the ancient woodland is nice, there were lots of shades and spots to rest. Tons of photo opportunities too.

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
ShirleySyk 4 years ago

The views of Loch Lomond are breathtaking! I recommend this!

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
Amalie Valsted Kaptain 5 years ago

Great hike

Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
Matthew Zielinski 5 years ago

This is a magnificent walk in the park. It was quite short but really amusing.

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
Antoni L. 5 years ago

Rewarding views with minimal effort. No wonder why it's so busy!

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
Faiz P. 5 years ago

Tons of spectacular views in the area. Somewhat reminds me of the age of the dinosaurs!

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
Emily Jakub 5 years ago

It's a short and simple hike. I'm a little disappointed about my experience. Because the weather was gruesome and it drizzled while we are doing the hike.

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
rosaline.oh 5 years ago

Did the Conic Hill as part of West Highland Way. Easy and very accessible way of viewing the Loch from above, which families would appreciate. Beautiful views across some of the moor is a great taste of what Scottish highlands have to offer. But the best taste is the amazing taste of St Mocha ice cream. My goodness, are their ice creams great or what...!

8.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
1h 40m Time Taken
14 Comments Show all

Similar hikes to the Conic Hill Walk hike

Big Tree Walk

Big Tree Walk

Difficulty:
2.8mi
659ft
1.5-2h

The Big Tree Walk is a lovely 1.6mi, waymarked forest trail beside the Benmore Botanic Gardens. The route…

Arrochar Caves Walk

Arrochar Caves Walk

Difficulty:
2.8mi
449ft
1-1.5h

The Arrochar Caves Walk, found in Arrochar, UK, is a 2.8mi trail that leads through a scenic forest,…

Luss Heritage Trail

Luss Heritage Trail

Difficulty:
1.6mi
59ft
0.5h

The 1.6mi Luss Heritage Trail is a family favourite, and with plenty to see, it’s no wonder this…