Conic Hill
Walk from Balmaha, on the east shore
Verdict
Go for a big loch view for modest effort, ideally early on a clear day.
Skip if the summit is in cloud or the path is icy. On a fine weekend, start early and plan where you will park.
- Balmaha car park. The start. Stirling Council pay and display; up to one hour is free with a displayed ticket.
- Conic Hill, 361 m. The top of the ridge, with the Highland Boundary Fault running down to the islands.
- Distance
- 4 km
- Time
- 2–3 h
- Ascent
- 350 m
- Grade
- Moderate
Fine weekends are the busiest. Start early.
Conic Hill in photos
Is it for me?
Conic Hill is a 4 km walk of 2 to 3 hours from Balmaha, with about 350 m of climbing and a summit at 361 m. The path is good, with steps, and the top gives the best view of the loch’s islands along the Highland Boundary Fault. The walk starts in Balmaha on the east shore. Choose a clear day, and check the weather and best time to go before you set out.
- Beginners
- Yes for a first hill: the path is good and has steps. Allow 2 to 3 hours and pick dry weather.
- Children
- Suits children who are used to hill walking. There are 350 m of climbing and steps.
- Dogs
- The enclosed fields on the approach are closed to dog walkers from 1 April to 31 May (lambing). An alternative route is available. At other times keep dogs close, as livestock graze.
- Buggies
- Not suited to buggies or wheelchairs: the path has steps, and the summit detour has a short rocky scramble.
- Terrain
- Good path with steps. The summit detour includes a short rocky scramble.
- Navigation
- Follow the West Highland Way. In cloud the top is harder to read, so turn back.
Map & height profile
- Balmaha car park. The start. Stirling Council pay and display; up to one hour is free with a displayed ticket.
- Conic Hill, 361 m. The top of the ridge, with the Highland Boundary Fault running down to the islands.
Map © OpenStreetMap contributors. Open in maps
| Step | Distance along route (km) | Height (m, approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Balmaha car park | 0 | 22 |
| 2. Through the woods | 0.6 | 68 |
| 3. Onto the open hill | 1.2 | 171 |
| 4. The steeper section | 2.1 | 313 |
| 5. The top | 2.1 | 313 |
The route, step by step
-
Balmaha car park
Start at Balmaha car park and pick up the West Highland Way signs.
-
Through the woods
The path starts in woodland on a good surface. Settle into a steady pace, as the climb is sustained.
-
Onto the open hill
The trees fall away and the loch opens out behind you as the path climbs the open hillside.
-
The steeper section
Nearing the ridge the path has steps and steepens. Take it slowly, and take extra care if it is wet.
-
The top
Follow the ridge for the view down the Highland Boundary Fault and along the line of islands. The summit detour has a short rocky scramble. Retrace your steps to Balmaha.
Parking & getting there
Balmaha car park (Stirling Council)
- Where
- Balmaha, start of the walk. Grid ref NS421909
- Operator
- Stirling Council, pay and display
- Price
- Up to 1 hour free (display your ticket); 2 hours £3; 4 hours £4; all day £5. Check the machine.
- Hours
- Pay and display Monday to Saturday 8:45am to 5pm, and Sundays at Balmaha
- Payment
- Cash or RingGo (cashless)
- Overnight
- Motorhomes may use one bay. Sleeping overnight in a motorhome is not allowed.
- Busy times
- Arrive early on a fine weekend. Full details are in the Balmaha car park guide.
Last checked 12 Oct 2026
Car-free
Bus 309 (McColl’s Travel) runs from Balloch to Balmaha via Gartocharn and Drymen. In season you can also come by boat from Luss: Cruise Loch Lomond sails Luss to Balmaha (adult £20). Check Traveline Scotland for times, especially the last journey home. For the wider picture, see getting to Loch Lomond.
When it is busy
Editorial estimate of a typical summer day, on the path and in the car park. These are not measured counts.
| Day | 8:00 | 9:00 | 10:00 | 11:00 | 12:00 | 13:00 | 14:00 | 15:00 | 16:00 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weekday | Quiet | Quiet | Steady | Steady | Steady | Steady | Steady | Steady | Quiet |
| Saturday | Quiet | Steady | Busy | Busy | Busy | Busy | Busy | Busy | Steady |
| Sunday | Quiet | Steady | Busy | Busy | Busy | Busy | Busy | Steady | Quiet |
Q QuietS SteadyB BusyF Car park full
Tip: start early on a summer weekend, or go up for the evening light on a clear day.
Call it off if
- The top is in cloud: there is no view and the ridge is harder to read.
- Strong wind is forecast: the ridge is exposed.
- The steps and path are icy or running with water and you do not have grippy boots.
- It is late in the day: allow 2 to 3 hours and keep daylight to spare.
Make a day of it
Morning
Beat the crowds
- Early Park at Balmaha and set off up the West Highland Way.
- +2–3 h Back down within the 2–3 hours the walk takes. Allow longer for photos at the top.
Midday
Onto the water
- Midday Ferry to Inchcailloch from Balmaha Boatyard: daily in summer from 9:25am, usually every half hour, until about 5pm.
- Island Island paths take 30 to 45 minutes each. The Inchcailloch guide has the detail.
Afternoon
Across the loch
- 14:00 Cruise Loch Lomond sails Balmaha to Luss at 14:00 on the autumn timetable we checked (adult £20). Check the season.
- Luss Step off at the village of Luss for a stroll by the pier. For a longer trip, browse towns and villages around the loch or pick another walk.
Where to stay near Balmaha
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See the walk first
Video: Fly North on YouTube. Watch on YouTube
Questions people ask
Where to start in Conic Hill?
Start at Balmaha car park (grid ref NS421909) and follow the West Highland Way signs. Balmaha is on the east shore of the loch.
How long is the Conical Hill walk?
The walk is 4 km (2.5 miles) and takes 2 to 3 hours, with about 350 m of climbing.
Can a beginner walk the West Highland Way?
Conic Hill is a good taste of it: the path is good and has steps, and the walk takes 2 to 3 hours. The full West Highland Way is a multi-day trek, so plan it as one.
What are some good multi-day hikes in Scotland?
Conic Hill sits on the West Highland Way, the long-distance route most walkers link it with.
Is Conic Hill a hard walk?
Moderate, by our grade. The path is good with steps, but there are 350 m of climbing, and the summit detour has a short rocky scramble.
How high is Conic Hill?
The summit is 361 m above sea level. The walk climbs about 350 m from Balmaha.
Can I park for free at Conic Hill?
Only for a short stop: Balmaha car park is free for up to 1 hour if you display your ticket, which is too short for the walk. For longer it is £3 for 2 hours, £4 for 4 hours and £5 all day. Pay by cash or RingGo.
Are dogs allowed on Conic Hill?
Yes, but the enclosed fields on the approach are closed to dog walkers from 1 April to 31 May for lambing. An alternative route is available. At other times keep your dog close, as livestock graze.
Can I get to Conic Hill without a car?
Yes. Bus 309 runs from Balloch to Balmaha, and in season Cruise Loch Lomond sails from Luss to Balmaha. Check Traveline Scotland for times.
Where can I stay near Conic Hill?
Balmaha and the villages around the loch have places to stay. Browse accommodation around the loch for the options.
Nearby
- Long-distance routeWest Highland WayThe route Conic Hill sits on, and the multi-day walk it is part of.
- Another walkLoch Lomond Faerie TrailAnother walk on Loch Lomond, with its own route guide.
- By ferry from BalmahaInchcaillochA 52-hectare nature reserve of oak woodland, with paths of 30 to 45 minutes each.