Conic Hill is a small, sharp summit rising above Balmaha on the east side of Loch Lomond. At 361m, it’s not a Munro, but the views from the top are some of the best in Scotland.
The climb takes around two hours return, which makes it one of the best short walks in the country for the effort involved. This guide covers the route, the car park situation, how long it takes, when to go, and what to expect.
How to use this guide
- The Conic Hill route
- Conic Hill car park and parking
- How to get to Conic Hill
- How long does it take to climb Conic Hill?
- How hard is Conic Hill?
- The best time to climb Conic Hill
- Conic Hill in winter
- What to take
- The Highland Boundary Fault
- Where to eat after the walk
- Conic Hill FAQs
The Conic Hill route
The path starts at the back of Balmaha car park. Look for a small information board and the thistle waymarker symbols of the West Highland Way.
From the car park, the path climbs immediately through mixed woodland. Keep right at the T junction near the start, then left at the next junction, following the thistle signs. The path is well-made here with stone steps in the steeper sections.
After around 20 minutes you emerge from the trees through a small gate onto open hillside, with Conic Hill rising ahead. The path climbs steadily up between Conic Hill and its smaller neighbour, following the line of the West Highland Way.
Once you reach the col between the two hills, take a short detour left off the main path for your first view of Loch Lomond and its string of islands. This is the classic photograph spot and worth the five-minute diversion.
Back on the main path, the West Highland Way curves around the north side of Conic Hill. After around 250m, a narrow path forks off to the right and climbs steeply up onto the summit ridge. This section is loose and rocky, with a short rocky section near the top that some people describe as a mild scramble. It’s nothing technical but requires using your hands in one or two places.
The summit itself is a small rocky top with a 360-degree view. Ben Lomond rises directly across the loch, with the long line of Loch Lomond’s islands stretching south-west and the rolling hills of the Central Lowlands to the south.
Return the same way. The descent on the loose rocky section near the top takes more care than the climb up.
Conic Hill car park and parking
Parking for Conic Hill is at the Balmaha public car park, operated by Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority. It’s the long-stay car park in the middle of the village, with an information centre and toilets.
Address: Balmaha Car Park, Balmaha, G63 0JQ
Cost: paid parking. Check the National Park car parks page for current rates. Pay by app or at the machine on site.
Summer warning: the car park fills up by 9am on summer weekends and bank holidays. If you’re arriving later than that between June and September, expect to queue or have to park elsewhere. Arriving early (before 8:30am) is the only reliable way to get a space on a sunny weekend.
Alternative parking: there’s additional parking at the Loch Lomond Faerie Trail car park, a short walk north. The roadside laybys on the B837 approach to Balmaha fill up too, but don’t obstruct passing places or driveways, the village has had real problems with inconsiderate parking and enforcement has increased.
Overnight camping: not permitted in the car park. The Loch Lomond bylaws restrict overnight stays in vehicles in this area between March and September.
How to get to Conic Hill
Balmaha is on the east side of Loch Lomond, about one hour north of Glasgow and two hours from Edinburgh.
By car: From Glasgow, take the A82 north to Drymen, then the B837 to Balmaha. The road from Drymen is narrow and winding, single-track in places. From Edinburgh, take the M8/M80/M876 to the A81/A809 and join the B837 at Drymen.
By train and bus: Train to Balloch, then the McGills 309 bus from Balloch to Balmaha. Check the current timetable as services are limited, especially on Sundays.
By water bus: Cruise Loch Lomond runs a seasonal water bus service between Luss (west side) and Balmaha (east side). This is a lovely way to arrive and avoids the car park scramble.
How long does it take to climb Conic Hill?
Allow 2 to 2.5 hours return for a reasonable pace with breaks at the top for photos.
Breakdown:
- Balmaha car park to gate at top of forest: 20-30 minutes
- Gate to first viewpoint (the col): 20-25 minutes
- Col to summit: 15-20 minutes (including the steeper scramble)
- Time at the summit: as long as you like
- Descent: 45-60 minutes back the same way
Faster walkers can do it in an hour and a half. Slower walkers, with children or with a reasonable rest at the top, should allow three hours.
How hard is Conic Hill?
Conic Hill is often described as an easy walk, but that’s relative to Scottish hillwalking standards rather than a stroll. It’s a moderate walk with 340m of ascent in a relatively short distance, meaning the gradient is steep throughout. Most people find the uphill sections genuinely hard work.
The final section to the summit is rocky and loose, and some walkers describe the last bit as a mild scramble. There’s no exposure and no drop-offs, but you need to be comfortable using your hands briefly on steep rocky ground.
The path is well-made with extensive stone steps on the steeper sections, which helps the ascent considerably.
Conic Hill is a good introduction to Scottish hillwalking and suitable for reasonably fit beginners. It’s also suitable for confident children aged around 8 and up, though they’ll need supervision on the summit ridge.
Read more: my guide to the best hills for beginners in Scotland.
The best time to climb Conic Hill
Scotland’s weather is at its most reliable in May, June and September. These months offer long daylight, reasonable temperatures, and the lowest risk of heavy rain, though nothing is guaranteed.
July and August are warmer but busier, and midges on the lower wooded section can be notable on still summer evenings.
Sunrise: Conic Hill is east-facing, which means summer sunrises from the summit are spectacular. In June, sunrise is around 4:30am, and the light hitting Ben Lomond across the water is worth the early start. Head torches essential for the approach.
Sunset: the west-facing view across the loch means sunsets are even better than sunrises. Winter sunsets (around 4pm in December) light up Ben Lomond pink and gold. Again, head torches essential for the descent.
Read more – the best short walks with a big view
Conic Hill in winter
Conic Hill is walkable year-round, but winter conditions change it significantly.
In snow or after hard frost, the stone steps become slippery and the summit rocky section can ice over. Micro-spikes are useful and occasionally essential. Don’t attempt it in full winter conditions (deep snow, frozen paths) without proper winter walking kit including an ice axe and the experience to use it.
Daylight hours in December and January are short (sunrise around 8:45am, sunset around 3:45pm). Start by 10am to be back before dark. Check the weather forecast for Loch Lomond on the Mountain Weather Information Service.
That said, clear winter days on Conic Hill are some of the best walks in Scotland. The air is cold and sharp, the loch often mirror-still, and the snow on Ben Lomond across the water is genuinely spectacular.
What to take
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Proper walking boots (trainers are not enough on the rocky summit section)
- Warm layer (even in summer, the summit is exposed and cold)
- Hat and gloves (year-round, not just winter)
- Water (no water on the hill itself)
- Snacks or a packed lunch
- Phone with the OS Maps app or paper map (OS Explorer OL38)
- Head torch if you’re doing sunrise or sunset
- Sun cream and sunglasses in summer
- Midge repellent between May and September
The Highland Boundary Fault
Conic Hill sits directly on the Highland Boundary Fault, the geological line that divides Scotland into the Highlands and the Lowlands. The fault runs across Scotland from Arran in the south-west to Stonehaven on the east coast.
From the summit, you can see the fault line clearly. The string of islands across Loch Lomond, the ridge of Conic Hill itself, and the hills continuing east towards Aberfoyle are all on the fault. To the north are the Highlands. To the south, the rolling Lowlands.
Where to eat after the walk
Balmaha has a small cluster of places to eat and drink, all within a few minutes of the car park.
- The Oak Tree Inn is the best-known — a Highland pub serving food, local ales, and Scottish whisky. Rooms available if you want to stay the night.
- St Mocha Coffee Shop does excellent coffee and cake, run by the same family as the Oak Tree. Ideal for a post-walk sugar hit.
- The Village Shop sells sandwiches, snacks and supplies if you want to take something away.
Balmaha is also home to the National Park Visitor Centre, which has exhibits about the area and toilets.
Read more: my guide to things to do in Balmaha.
Conic Hill FAQs
How tall is Conic Hill?
Conic Hill is 361 metres (1,184 feet) above sea level. It rises around 350m above Loch Lomond itself.
How long does it take to climb Conic Hill?
Allow 2 to 2.5 hours return from Balmaha car park, including time at the summit for photos. Fast walkers can do it in 1.5 hours; slower walkers or families with children should allow 3 hours.
Is Conic Hill a Munro?
No. At 361m, Conic Hill is well below the 914.4m (3,000ft) threshold for a Munro. It’s not a Corbett or Graham either — it’s just a very small but perfectly formed hill.
Is Conic Hill dog-friendly?
Yes, Conic Hill is a popular dog walk. Keep dogs on a lead from March to July when ground-nesting birds are breeding, and always on a lead around the sheep and cattle on the hill.
Can you do Conic Hill with children?
Yes, with reasonably fit children aged around 8 and up. The path is well-made and the distance is manageable. The rocky summit section needs adult supervision. Younger children will find the final steep section hard work.
Is there parking at Conic Hill?
Yes — paid parking at Balmaha car park in the middle of the village. The car park fills up by 9am on summer weekends, so arrive early or use the seasonal water bus from Luss.
When is the best time of day to climb Conic Hill?
Early morning offers the best chance of clear views before cloud builds. Late afternoon and sunset are spectacular if the weather is clear. Midday in summer is the worst time — the car park is full and the path is at its busiest.
Can you climb Conic Hill in winter?
Yes, but conditions change significantly. Expect ice on the steps and rocky summit section — micro-spikes are useful. In full winter conditions with deep snow, proper winter mountaineering kit is required. Daylight is short, so start early.
What view do you get from Conic Hill?
A 360-degree panorama. Ben Lomond directly across the loch, the long chain of Loch Lomond’s islands stretching south-west, and the Central Lowlands rolling away to the south. On a clear day you can see over 20 miles in several directions — one of the best short-walk views in Scotland.
More Loch Lomond reading
- Things to do at Loch Lomond
- Things to do at Balmaha
- The best hills for beginners in Scotland
- A beginner’s guide to hillwalking in Scotland
Kate — Love from Scotland x
