Description

Lying close to Glasgow but feeling remarkably wild, Conic Hill is one of the most popular day hikes in Scotland.

The views across Loch Lomond and its many islands are fabulous, and the ascent is nicely satisfying without being truly difficult. The route can be reached via a bus from Balloch and starts at the Balmaha carpark, right beneath Conic Hill.

The trail is clear from the start and climbs up through forests before emerging into more open terrain as it reaches a broad col just north of point 187m.

The path has wooden steps in places so you can keep your feet dry, but you'll probably get them wet (!) if you detour across boggy ground from the col to a nearby viewpoint just to the west which has an amazing vista over Loch Lomond. Get back on the path (which coincidentally is part of the West Highland Way) and climb across the north-west flank of Conic Hill.

Cut off the path and get onto the summit ridge of the peak, and follow it - via ever-improving views - to the top.

Soak it all in! Either retrace your steps back to Balmaha or (better) follow the line drawn here and continue along the West Highland Way as it descends to and then crosses over the Burn of Mar via a small footbridge.

Once over the burn, follow the clear path that winds down to the Milton of Buchanan, from where a walk along the road (albeit on a pavement) or a ride on the bus back to Balmaha await.