View of Loch Lomond from Conic Hill
View of Loch Lomond from Conic Hill
Highlight • Viewpoint
View of Loch Lomond from Conic Hill
Hiking
5.0
(850)
Cycling
5.0
(1)
Bonnie views from the very threshold of the Scottish Highlands
Conic Hill is on the Highland Boundary Fault, representing the very beginnings of the unique magic of the Scottish Highlands. Routes to the summit are well trodden and easy to follow over accommodating terrain.
The views are wonderful and commence almost as soon as your start gaining height. The wide, shimmering expanse of southern Loch Lomond, liberally speckled with a dozen islands, is stunning. Ben Lomond and the Arrochar Alps loom in the north. To the southwest, the peaks of the Isle of Arran and the hulking granite hump of Aisla Craig rise from the blue across the Firth of Clyde.
Conic Hill’s accessibility and low elevation mean that it makes for a perfect outing when Ben Lomond and the Arrochar Alps have been transformed by heavy snowfall. Suspend your disbelief for a moment and you could almost be staring down a Norwegian fjord or a lake in New Zealand.
Most walking routes to Conic Hill begin from Balmaha or Drymen via Garadhban Forest. Both offer a range of lodgings and eateries and are popular with picnickers and day-trippers from nearby Glasgow. There are a number of campsites, but if you are planning to wild camp, check the national park website for restrictions in this region.
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Tips
April 16, 2019
Hiking
Sometimes it can be a bit crowded, as many day trippers from Balmaha also venture the climb.
•September 3, 2018
Hiking
However, tough it out and you'll be rewarded with beautiful views over Loch Lomond, and on a clear day, you might even catch a wee peak of Ben Lomond, Scotland's southernmost Munro.
June 21, 2018
Hiking
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Nearby routes
Best routes near View of Loch Lomond from Conic Hill
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Embark on a rewarding hike along the Conic Hill & the West Highland Way trail from Garadhban Forest, a moderate route spanning 9.8 miles (15.7 km) with an elevation gain of 1342 feet (409 metres), typically taking 4 hours and 36 minutes to complete. You begin with a tranquil woodland ascent through Garadhban Forest, where paths are firm and well-defined, before transitioning to open moorland. The climb up Conic Hill is notably steep, featuring rocky steps and requiring careful footing, but it rewards you with stunning panoramic views of Loch Lomond, its islands, and the distant Ben Lomond.
This trail is generally considered moderate to hard, with the ascent of Conic Hill demanding good fitness and sure-footedness, especially on steep, rocky sections that can be tricky when wet or icy. While parts of the route through Garadhban Forest are accessible for various skill levels, the challenge increases significantly as you approach the summit. The path is popular and well-marked with the distinctive West Highland Way thistle emblem, guiding you along this well-trodden route.
Conic Hill is a prominent feature situated directly on the Highland Boundary Fault line, a major geological division separating the Scottish Lowlands from the Highlands, visible in the alignment of Loch Lomond's islands. This section forms a significant part of the iconic West Highland Way, Scotland's best-known long-distance trail. The initial forest environment also offers a peaceful experience, home to wildlife like roe deer and red squirrels, before you reach the breathtaking 360-degree views from Conic Hill.
4.7
(232)
928
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Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 330 m
Good to know
Family Friendly
yes
Wheelchair access
no
Dog Friendly
yes
Weather
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Monday 4 May
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Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 13.0 km/h
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