Conic Hill is a sharp little summit rising above Balmaha. Right on the Highland Boundary Fault, this short hillwalk offers truly fantastic views over Loch Lomond and its many islands.
Summary
The part of the route following the West Highland Way has a good path. The detour to the summit involves a short rocky scramble and the alternative descent route is also rough and steep.
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1. The walk begins from the huge car park in the centre of Balmaha, which also has an information centre. The path leaves from the very back of the car park close to an information board. It immediately divides at a t-junction; turn right here along the track, and at the next junction turn left onto a path; this section of the walk is marked by the Thistle symbols of the West Highland Way. The well-made path now climbs up through the trees before leaving the forest via a small gate, with Conic Hill in view ahead. The path climbs steeply with flights of wooden steps, aiming for the gap between Conic Hill and its nearer neighbour.
2. Stay on the main path as it curves round between the two hills; there are good views back over the lower reaches of Loch Lomond. The path aims for a West Highland Way marker post ahead, and at this point it swings right to climb across the far flank of Conic Hill. By this point the views of Loch Lomond and the hills on the far side are superb.
3. After about two hundred and fifty metres a clear but rough grassy path goes off to the right to reach the ridge line of Conic Hill. From here the views along the ridge are even better; the ridge is on the exact line of the Highland Boundary Fault and so has great variety. The string of islands across Loch Lomond lined up with the ridge are all on the fault line. Turn left to follow the ridge towards the summit. There is a very steep section where the ground has been eroded to the conglomerate bed-rock. This can be slippy to ascend so care is needed - it is easiest on its left edge. If you decide against this ascent you could simply remain on the West Highland Way path below instead, or arrive at the summit of Conic Hill via the descent route.
4. A false summit is reached before a short descent and the final climb to the true summit. The mountains clustered around the upper end of Loch Lomond include the Arrochar Alps and Ben Lomond. Descend back to the dip and then follow a clear path that cuts steeply down to the West Highland Way (this path also provides a slightly easier route to the summit for those wishing to avoid the rocky scramble). Turn left down the West Highland Way and follow it back across the flank of the hill to the marker post mentioned earlier, where it turns left.
5. There is an excellent alternative route of descent from the marker post though it is rough and steep lower down. Continue straight ahead from the post, crossing a muddy patch and continuing along a delightful grassy ridge. When another ridge begins alongside on the right cut across to join this one instead. The walk continues very enjoyably until the very steep descent to the road; there is a clear path but it is rough.
6. Cross the road diagonally to the left and follow a path heading through the field opposite. This leads to the shores of Loch Lomond where it rejoins the West Highland Way. Turn left along the beautiful shores of the loch, and keep on the lochside path when the West Highland Way goes off to the left. As the headland is rounded the path has been cut from the cliffs rising steeply from the water, and at one point is crosses a delightful bridge. The island just offshore here is Inchcailloch. Once round the corner a lane end is met. Follow the tarmac road back into Balmaha and the start. If you fancy a short extension, you could detour up the steps to the left to visit a small hilltop viewpoint on the Balmaha Millennium Forest path.
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