Conic Hill from Balmaha

The path leaves from the back of the car park in Balmaha and follows the West Highland Way, marked with thistle signs, up through the trees. Beyond a small gate it climbs steeply on many steps towards the dip that separates Conic Hill from the next hill, then curves round the hill's northern flank. Leave the Way where a clear path forks right and climbs steeply to the ridge. The walk turns at the top of that climb, with Loch Lomond and its islands spread out below; the true summit (361 m) is a little further east along the boggy crest. Return the same way.

It is 4.4 km with 317 m of ascent; allow about 2¼ hours. The grade is Easy: short, but steep, with many steps.

Conic Hill lies on the Highland Boundary Fault, and the islands strung out across Loch Lomond mark the same line. Walkhighlands warns of a short rocky scramble on the final climb from the West Highland Way. The views start a third of the way up, according to the National Park.

The Balmaha car park is pay and display, and the National Park says it gets busy early. The 309 bus runs from Balloch, which has a station.

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.