Conic Hill

Conic Hill

Conic Hill is a 361 m Marilyn above Balmaha on the eastern shore of Loch Lomond. Its compact ridge offers broad views over the loch and its islands, with Ben Lomond and the Arrochar Alps beyond. Although this is a short hillwalk, the climb is steep and the exposed upper ground needs sensible footwear, clothing and weather judgement.

The summit and the viewpoint

The Database of British and Irish Hills records a tiny cairn at the highest point, NS 43282 92393. The south-west top at NS 43040 92230 is at least 2.5 m lower. It is an attractive viewpoint, but walkers aiming for the recorded summit need to continue farther north-east along the ridge. Views are available well below the top too.

The walk from Balmaha

The usual out-and-back walk starts at Balmaha car park, approximately NS421909. Follow the West Highland Way through the woods and onto the steep stepped path. A separate summit detour leaves the Way for rough, rocky ground on the ridge; the long-distance trail itself does not visit the highest point. Return by the same route.

Walkhighlands gives about 4 km, 350 m of ascent and 2–3 hours for the return walk. Allow extra time for stops, your group’s pace and difficult conditions. Longer approaches from Drymen and Garadhban require a separately planned itinerary and return journey.

Geology and landscape

The ridge is formed from Old Red Sandstone conglomerate, a sedimentary rock containing pebbles and larger fragments, beside the Highland Boundary Fault zone. The line of hills and islands gives a striking view of the transition between the Highlands and Lowlands. The wider Conic Hill protected site also contains older rocks of the Highland Border Complex and valuable woodland, grassland and wetland habitats. Stay on established paths to limit erosion.

Getting there and facilities

Reach Balmaha via the B837 from Drymen. The main car park beside the National Park visitor centre is operated by Stirling Council and is pay-and-display. Check the signs and current tariff, use marked spaces and have an alternative plan if it is full.

For a car-free visit, take the train to Balloch and service 309 to Balmaha. SPT currently lists the bus as operated by McColl’s Travel via Drymen. Check the timetable and last return before setting out.

Balmaha has places to eat, a village shop and visitor-centre toilets. Facilities have opening hours, with reduced winter visitor-centre opening, so check ahead and bring enough drinking water and food. The lochside Tom Weir statue is a separate village stop after the walk.

Dogs, access and path work

Keep dogs on a lead and away from livestock. The West Highland Way notice for 2026 excludes dog walkers from the enclosed approach fields from 1 April to 31 May and directs them to a signed alternative. This concerns the fields on the eastern approach, rather than a general closure of the hill. Dates and arrangements can change; follow the latest notices.

The main Balmaha path improvement programme finished in 2025. Separate work on the eastern West Highland Way approach from the Burn of Mar was programmed into 2026–27. Check current National Park, Forestry and Land Scotland and West Highland Way notices before travelling, and obey temporary signs and barriers.

Safety

Stone steps and summit rock can be slippery when wet or icy. Strong winds and cloud can make the open ridge difficult even when conditions in Balmaha seem mild. Take a map and compass you know how to use, suitable clothing, food, water and a headtorch. Plan for daylight and turn back if the conditions are beyond your group’s skills.

Carry water from a known drinking-water supply. In May 2026, the West Highland Way relayed Lomond Mountain Rescue advice about livestock runoff near Conic Hill: stream water needs treatment, and filtering alone may be insufficient. Winter snow and ice can require equipment and skills beyond ordinary summer walking. In an emergency call 999, ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue.

Name and walking history

The name is commonly linked to Gaelic còinneach, meaning moss or mossy. The West Highland Way, which passes below the summit, opened on 6 October 1980. Balmaha’s statue of mountaineer, writer and broadcaster Tom Weir was unveiled in 2014.

Sources

• Database of British and Irish Hills: summit data, version 18.6, hill 64.
• Walkhighlands: the Balmaha return route.
• British Geological Survey: the conglomerate ridge and Highland Boundary Fault zone.
• National Park visitor guide: local information.
• West Highland Way notices: access and safety updates.
• Stirling Council parking and SPT timetables: travel planning.

Information reviewed: 15 October 2026.