How to Complete the Conic Hill Walk
The Conic Hill walk is a popular route in the eastern part of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Tourists, locals and families enjoy the beautiful views from the 361m high Conic Hill that overlooks Loch Lomond and the surrounding hills, including Ben Lomond. In fact, 200,000 people walk the route annually.
It is the start of the Scottish Highlands and is on the Highland Boundary Fault Line. It is an important geological feature that separates the lowlands and the highlands.
We think the walk is spectacular because you are rewarded with breathtaking views over the islands in just a couple of hours- you cannot beat them. If you want to see the Scottish scenery at its best – this walk is for you. You don’t need to go to the top to see the views, either. It is worth noting before you go that although the hike is short, it is still steep and should not be underestimated.
The walk is a year-round walk, and although it is not a Munro, it is a great opportunity to try hill walking or to do a quick walk if you are short on time. It is also a place where you can spot Highland coos. Of course, there is no guarantee, but we saw plenty last time we were there! Amazing!
Conic Hill Walk Details
Conic Hill Walk Time: 1.5-2.5 hours
Distance: 4km
Elevation: 324m
Conic Hill Car Park
The Conic Hill Car Park is a large but busy car park with electric vehicle charging ports. Stirling Council owns it, and you can pay by coins, the Ringgo App or by calling 01786231929. If you pay by the Ringgo App, you do not need to put a ticket in your car. You will not be able to get a change from the Visitor Centre.
The costs of Conic Hill parking at the time of writing are:
1 hour – Free
2 hours £2.10
4 hours- £2.60
All day – £3.20
The address is:
Conic Hill Carpark, Stirling, Balmaha, Glasgow G63 0JQ, United Kingdom
You can also follow the Google Maps Directions here.
There is also a large stony overflow car park 200 yards further down the road. Luckily, this car park does accept card payments if you do not have any change!
Balmaha Visitor Centre
The Visitor Centre is run by the National Park and provides useful information for you to complete the walk. Including a QR code that you can scan for the route!
You can also use the toilets, which costs 50p and you can pay using contactless or coins. The money goes to the National Park and will be used to maintain paths.
Conic Hill by Public Transport
Although it is more complicated than by car, you can reach Conic Hill by public transport. You can take the train to Balloch from Glasgow from Queen Street Station. You will need to catch the 309 bus from Balloch to Balmaha on Tullichewan Road. You will be able to get off the bus at the car park. The journey will take around 2 hours.
Conic Hill Weather
We recommend checking the weather forecast before you go so that you can prepare accordingly. Please remember conditions can change, and you will be exposed once you leave the woodland. As a rule, when hiking in Scotland, we always take waterproof clothing just in case.
You can check the following:
Top Tips
- Please stick to the path to help prevent erosion, as it is an extremely popular walk.
- The walk is dog friendly, but you must keep your dog under close control as there may be grazing livestock on the hill. It is recommended to keep your dog on a lead to help with sheep-worrying incidents.
- Remember to clean up after your dog, take all litter home with you and leave no trace.
- Wearing appropriate footwear such as walking boots or shoes is recommended as the path can get muddy.
- In an emergency, call 999 and ask for Mountain Rescue.
- There are WHW (West Highland Way) THISTLE markers to help guide you.
- Remember to take layers, as it will be colder at the top.
- There are midges (in midgie season) at the top too. Bring spray or the net!
- Take food and plenty of water with you. You can buy this at the shop or from the cafe, which is opposite the car park.
Conic Hill Walk Directions
The Conic Hill hike described below is the out-and-back route. If you would prefer to do the longer circular route, we have included this after.
Step 1 – Into the Woodlands
Start the walk from the back of the Balmaha car park near the large information sign and head right to go through the woodland.
Ensure you follow the path as it curves left to continue on the stony path after roughly 250m. It forms part of the West Highland Way, a long-distance route from Milngavie to fort William. . Head up the steps and go through the trees. Eventually, you will come out at a wooden kissing gate. From here, continue straight along the obvious path as it gets steeper.
Step 2 – Keep Heading Up
Keep going up the man-made steps. Some of them are not as good as others. From there, continue up the rocky path. Eventually, you will come to a viewpoint that overlooks the lochs! You will also be able to see Conic Hill ahead of you.
Keep going up and up. Remember to take as many breaks as you need. The view behind you is spectacular.
Step 3 – To the Conic Hill Summit
When you reach a fork in the path, turn right to go up, and you’re almost at the top.
Whether you want to scramble up to the top or walk around to reach the top is a choice. Congratulations, you’ve made it. There will be a cairn to mark the spot and, hopefully, not many midges.
Step 4 – Return to the Car Park
There are a few ways down from here, so choose the track you like the most. The furthest left is the steepest, and the path to the right is easier but eroded.
From here, you can continue straight and go down over the different hills. This way is much steeper. Alternatively, you can return the way you came, which is much easier. Usually, we love to do a circular route. However, you simply cannot beat the view as you come down.
Conic Hill Walk complete!
Conic Hill Circular Walk Alternative
If you want to do a circular walk instead, it is possible. This route is roughly 10.5km (6.5 miles) and will take roughly 4 hours to complete.
You will need to leave the car park, turn left and walk to Drymen. From here, continue to Milton of Buchanan village and turn left to walk on Creityhall Road. Continue for roughly 1.2 miles, and you will reach the tracks to Balmaha. Turn left and followed the signs for the West Highland Way (WHW) to the summit of Conic Hill and return using the directions below.
Things to do in Balmaha
After you have completed the walk, there are many exciting things you can do in Balama. These include:
- Visit the statue of Tom Weir (the Scottish writer/broadcaster). There are lovely views of the loch here too.
- Grab a coffee and cake at St Mocha Coffee Shop and Ice Cream Parlour
- Enjoy a beer and pub lunch at the Oak Tree Inn. You can also stay overnight here!
- Go on a boat ride/ ferry ride to the islands
- Wander around Balmaha BoatYard
We hope you enjoy the walk. Let us know if you have any further questions or if you completed the Conic Hill hike and enjoyed it.
FAQ
How high is Conic Hill?
Conic Hill is 361m high
How long does it take to climb Conic Hill?
It takes about an hour to get up and an hour back down again. This will vary depending on speed, mobility, breaks and fitness.
Where is Conic Hill?
Conic Hill is found near Balhama on the eastern shores of Loch Lomond.
Is Conic Hill a munro?
No, Conic Hill is not a munro.
If you are doing the Conic Hill walk as part of a Scottish Road Trip, please read our guides to:
Glasgow Itinerary – A Guide for a Great Weekend
Isle of Skye Itinerary Guide for 3 Exciting Days
How to Climb Ben Nevis – A Full Guide
The Glenfinnan Viaduct Viewpoint – A Complete Guide
Photo Credits: averagelives.com
We want to stress that ‘Average Lives’ cannot be held liable for any injuries or accidents that may occur while walking our routes. We strongly advise that you wear proper footwear to reduce the risk of injuries, and carry a paper map and compass to ensure your safety while walking. You can read more on our About Page.