4.8
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3,779
hikers
Conic Hill – UK Hill Walks for Beginners
01:49
4.88km
310m
Hiking
Occupying a unique position on the Highland Boundary Fault Line, Conic Hill rises on the threshold between the lowland Central Belt and the magic of the Southern Highlands. Its straightforward ascent from Balmaha makes use of the popular West Highland Way, while its summit rewards with scenic riches seemingly out of proportion with the effort required to get there.
The hike begins from the centre of the village, with the distinctive hump of Conic Hill obvious ahead. Follow the well-built path through trees, often using wooden steps to ascend. Reaching Bealach Ard, the gap between the main summit ridge and subsidiary Tom nan Oisgin, is a glorious moment, as the views open up.
Stick to the main West Highland Way path a little longer, as the terrain can be boggy up on the main ridge. Soon, however, you branch off to gain the satisfaction of the summit.
The vista is majestic, like a little amuse-bouche for the kinds of Highland adventures you’ll undoubtedly start plotting soon after. Loch Lomond glistens on a good day and its many islands, which like Conic Hill are a product of the Boundary Fault, are seen beautifully. Scotland’s most southerly Munro, mighty Ben Lomond, rises to the north and the bristling Arrochar Alps tower over the loch’s western shore.
Now that the ascent is done, you can enjoy it all in reverse, retracing your steps and enjoying the views. Back in Balmaha, it’s worth visiting the statue of Tom Weir, a legendary outdoorsman who did much to promote Highland adventures.
Last updated: June 10, 2024
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
1.57 km
View of Loch Lomond from Bealach Ard
Highlight • Mountain Pass
Tip by
2.27 km
View of Loch Lomond from Conic Hill
Highlight • Viewpoint
Sometimes it can be a bit crowded, as many day trippers from Balmaha also venture the climb.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
4.63 km
Balmaha Village and Pier
Highlight • Lake
The car park fills up quickly on sunny days, so arrive early to avoid disappointment. You can also arrive by boat from Balloch or Luss.
Tip by
4.67 km
Tom Weir Statue
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
4.88 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
2.33 km
1.22 km
1.06 km
156 m
100 m
Surfaces
2.80 km
912 m
579 m
459 m
115 m
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Elevation
Highest point (330 m)
Lowest point (10 m)
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Weather
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Tuesday 5 May
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4°C
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This route was planned by komoot.
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Trail Reviews
The first day in Scotland and immediately unforgettable impressions - but see for yourself.
Popular hike and deservedly so! Steep up and down, with excellent wood and stone steps. Starts/ends with a wander through beautiful woodland, before wending up - views emerge after about 15-20 mins, and just get better and better! A couple of small diversions off the path possible to look out from other viewpoints. Short scramble at the very peak. Lots of people on a sunny Saturday but gave it a happy atmosphere, and so many children and babies! We took a return ferry from Luss to Balmaha (10:00 out and 15:30 back) and this was plenty of time to do the hill and have lunch and a celebratory pint at the brilliant Oak Tree Inn. A magic day out!
After our mini cruise to Newcastle we reach Loch Lomond, the gateway to the Highlands. Time to shake loose our legs and so we climb Conic Hill (381m height). Here you have a beautiful view of Loch Lomond, the western boundary of the southern Highlands. 37 Km long, up to 8 Km wide and up to 190 m deep. The photos immediately show the real Scotland: lakes, slopes and clouds. We did have a dry day! More serious work tomorrow.
Today we took our last hike of our trip through beautiful Scotland. From Balmaha, we climbed Conic Hill, along which the West Highland Way from Glasgow to Fort Williams, approximately 150 km long, runs. The climb up the 361-meter-high Conic Hill rewarded us with beautiful views of Loch Lomond and Ben Lomond. This is also where the dividing line between the Lowlands and the Highlands runs. Even though we've been to Scotland several times, we will definitely be back.
Actually just a small hill in the landscape, but the view is phenomenal! The ascent from Loch Lomond (Balmaha) is not difficult, but the elevation gain over the short distance is considerable.
unfortunately the phone died on way back down🙈 followed the same path back.
For the first time in Scotland 🏴, and I've loved everything about it from the very first minute! We're here for a week on a road trip with a rooftop tent and plan to stop for hikes along the way. On our tour to Conic Hill, high above Loch Lomond near Balmaha, we get a taste of the Highland atmosphere. We follow the trail of the West Highland Way, the first stage of which begins here. Soon, we catch glimpses of Scotland's largest loch, which become more impressive with every meter of elevation we climb up the stone steps. The sun reflects off the shimmering lake, where numerous islands are strung out like a string of pearls. Sheep graze the lush green meadows with great relish – you can't get more Scottish than this on the first day of a road trip! Although we're only 361 meters above sea level at the summit, the panoramic view is breathtaking! 🤩 The return journey takes us along quiet paths and a gentle ridge, until the final third of the descent becomes increasingly wild and adventurous. We make our way through the thicket and land directly on the pebble beach of Loch Lomond. Between bright yellow gorse bushes, we now walk along the shore and pass several boats bobbing in the water. We are truly inspired by this small but extremely beautiful walk and are excited to see what Scotland has in store for us in the next few days!
Another group trip with Vikings: https://www.wikinger-reisen.de/wanderreisen/schottland/5324.php The requirements for hiking skills and fitness are not too high (2 boots), but the landscape and the West Highland Way have it irritated me. Today was arrival day. The hiking week starts tomorrow. However, in order to get the cotter pins off my knees after the car, plane and bus, I had decided to do a little lap up Conic Hill (in anticipation of tomorrow). But our guide also made this suggestion, and so the whole group went together (hence day 0️⃣). An easy way to start the week ahead. 1️⃣: https://www.komoot.de/tour/813615347