Address: W Highland Way, Balmaha, Stirling FK8 3SF, United Kingdom
Rating: 4.8
based on 163 reviews.
Hiking Experience and Difficulty
Pros:
"Not far a walk to the top, perhaps 45 minutes. The views of loch lomond fron the top are absolutely breathtaking."
"Such a beautiful place in Loch😍 Good wee hike for beginners & kids."
"Standing at 361m at its peak, it's not a very hard trail to go but the ascent to the peak is quite steep and a bit challenging."
"An easy trail compared to others but in some places it's a bit challenging."
"Really beautiful hike! It’s a gorgeous area with incredible views. It’s not too difficult, however there were some steeper areas and different surfaces to travel over."
"A short and steep walk offering the most amazing views of Lake Lomond."
"Great day out with kids. Took about 2 an d a half hours to climb. That was including a 30 minute lunch break."
"Conic hill overlooks Loch Lomond itself, a 'short' hour long hike that is fairly steep with some rough bits."
Cons:
"Closed to the public until the end of march. No workmen at the weekend if you still want to go and attempt it. Conic hill is getting a new path installed."
"The walk has been spoiled by the pedestrianisation of the path ie the laying of flat stones on sections. This makes it feel like walking up steps."
"Some water, sunglasses and hiking shoes cause is muddy and slippery and you should be fine 🏔️"
"This last bit is the final ascent. Google maps says it’s only 150m or 3mins. Sure. But I’m pretty sure one of us was screaming the whole 3 minutes and it was probably me."
"The climb from the forestry centre carpark is long steep and strenuous."
"This is not an ‘easy walk’. Don’t listen to the Scots who describe this as a wee hill, they’re having a laugh. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not impossible, but it is challenging."
"Had a nice day walking up the Conic today,there are large steps and a lot of loose gravel so you have to be careful we seen one lady who had a bad fall, so be careful."
"When someone told me it is also called a cardiac hill I brushed aside the info with a laugh... but if u need to do cardio and enjoy lovely scenery as a bonus... get climbing..."
Views and Scenery
Pros:
"The views on the top is immaculate and superbly beautiful, especially at nice weather."
"The views at the top are breathtaking. Be prepared to climb up many steps, stones, and muddy surfaces."
"Absolutely stunning views from this hill!"
"One of the best views in Scotland, is an easy hike around 3 hours in total, you will see the loch Lomond from an spectacular side."
"Absolutely love Conic Hill, without doubt some of the best views can be had from several points on the way up Conic Hill and from the very top."
"A stunning view of loch lomand. We approached from Drymen which was a more gentle but longer walk."
"The view at the top is unbelievable. To get to the top of the summit you have to go up a bit of a rocky area to the right, near the top."
"On the day I was here it felt as if it was one of the most popular hills, there was so many people, there is a parking at the feet of the mountain where you can leave your car, also a small town in which you can rest and eat."
Cons:
"Unfortunately, a lot of people do not clean up after their dogs so there was a ton of dog poop around, so be careful where you walk if you climb to the top of the hill."
"Lovely views from the top! It was a bit windy the day we climbed it which spoiled it ever so slightly at the very top."
"Would be a great place if it weren't a honeypot. Super views over Loch Lemons and surrounding countryside."
"Great views once you get to the extra summit. The climb down from there is hairy!"
Accessibility and Facilities
Pros:
"Good views nearer the top of the hill."
"Parking is plenty and priced very reasonable we paid £3.40 for the day, there are toilets there but you have to pay 50p to use them."
"Parking is free at the bottom of the mountain, but it could be very busy during the day."
"Plenty of parking available, track well used and easy to follow as part of the west highland way."
"There is dedicated car park in Balmaha with a visitor centre where you can go to the look."
"Excellent walk. Trail begins immediately from car park. Arrive early (8am to 9am) for guaranteed parking."
"Beautiful trails and walks, we hiked up one way and walked down the other, there are so many spots to just sit and watch the serenity of the hills and peaks."
"Nice way to end stage one of the West Highland Way. Climb is well structured with stairs / risers on the Drymen side but the final climb to the peak is a scramble up rocks and mud."
Cons:
"The only thing I would say is that there is a long road walk at the end if you do it this way although the rest of the walk was beautiful with brilliant views along the way."
"If you're walking later in the year and are lucky enough to get a good weather clear day or short spells of cloud break this is a good walk to get high up quickly to experience an epic view of the islands within the loch."
"Had a great walk today from Dryman to Balmaha on the west highland way. On top of Coninc Hill turned left and up to the very top for photos and wee video. Was that was a bit dreakit but, it was well worth it."
"You have to experience it as no camera can really capture it."