Conic Hill from Balmaha
Conic Hill (361 m) forms part of the popular West Highland Way and as such is a busy little peak! The path is very well used, so navigation is easy, with a little scrambling over scree necessary close to the top. This is the perfect hill for a beginner or for a day when you only have a few hours to spare. The views are spectacular all the way!
Technical sheet No. 26202243
Calculated time: 1h55[?] 
Distance : 3.74 km
Vertical gain : 303 m
Vertical drop : 303 m
Highest point : 334 m
Lowest point : 31 m 
Difficulty : Moderate
Back to starting point : Yes
Walking
Area :
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs
Location : Stirling
Starting point : N 56.085806° / W 4.538862° 
Today's forecast :
Description
(D/A) From the information board at the back (north side) of Balmaha Car Park, follow the track into the forest, turning right (East) at the fork.
(1) At another fork 300m along, take the path on the left (North) leading uphill.
(2) Follow this very well worn path (built into the hillside like steps) for 1km (up to 200m elevation) where you'll meet with another path coming in from your left. Keep right (North East) here.
(3) Another 500m along and 110m of ascent later, the path will split. The left continues round the side of the hill and the right heads steeply uphill. Take the path on the right to reach the summit of Conic Hill. This last part is steep and requires some scrambling.
(4) From the summit you will see many tracks leading down the hillside. Take the one which leads south-west over the ridge in the direction of Loch Lomond, running parallel to your ascent path. It will lead you downhill over several rounded hilltops, joining back up with the main path after approx 1km.
Once you reach the main path retrace your steps to Balmaha Car Park (D/A)
Waypoints :
D/A : km 0 - alt. 31 m - Balmaha car park
1 : km 0.31 - alt. 46 m - Fork
2 : km 1.25 - alt. 200 m - Top of "steps" at 200m elevation
3 : km 1.75 - alt. 312 m - Path splits - turn right for scramble to summit - Conic Hill
4 : km 2.77 - alt. 153 m - Descent path joins with main path
D/A : km 3.74 - alt. 31 m - Balmaha car park
Useful Information
For more information or a walk report, visit Gillian's Walks
Transport
- Parking available at Balmaha car park, just off B837
- Closest train station is in Balloch, 12 miles / 19km away. From there local bus services stop in Balmaha (20-25 minute journey)
Terrain
Mountainous terrain - steep gravel and grassy slopes. Lots of steps and some scrambling required.
Visorando and this author cannot be held responsible in the case of accidents or problems occuring on this walk.
During the walk or to do/see around
- Conic Hill summit
- Balmaha village
- Balmaha Visitor Centre
- Loch Lomond
- The West Highland Way
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The GPS track and description are the property of the author.
