One of the best views around the Loch Lomond is from the Conic Hill. This 361 meter high hill and gives you an amazing view. These small hills are a challenge but certainly one that you must do. Are you ready?
Most beautiful view over Loch Lomond
Shall we start with the best of the Conic Hill: the view! O M G how beautiful is this. If you are going to climb Conic Hill, you do not know what you will see on top, its amazing! You can also go around the mountain while walking the West Highland Way, but you really should not do that. Just climb. Why? I just show it with photos. The only thing I can say is WOW.
Conic Hill: one of the best views
In the Glasgow area, this is the best view you can get. Conic Hill is a relatively easy hill to climb. Offcourse it remains a climb and you do not do this without any sweat drops. You can reach the Conic Hill from two sides. Number 1 is from Balmaha and the second one we took, is from the West Highland Way. Actually, the official route also runs over the Conic Hill. So you can not really ignore it ;).
Up from the West Highland Way
Our start immediately starts with some heavy stairs that go up a lot in meters. I always climb slowly, not so well, but sometimes it takes a few more steps. In some places it runs a little but flatter, where you can stop for a moment to enjoy (and take pictures). Always look back. Because the view is beautiful. After 30 to 45 minutes of climbing we arrive at the first viewpoint. From there you can go a few meters up to stand on the top of the Conic Hill.
Up from Balmaha
From this side you can also go up an that will be the route for many who want to climb the Conic Hill. we followed this when we went down. What I noticed here was that there were many more stairs and fewer rocks. You start in a beautiful forest that slowly opens in a open landscape.
Perfect spot for a lunch or picnic
Once you are up, than this is really the perfect place for a lunch. We decided to go down and go there for some food. Above, it was pretty busy. Once we were downstairs, we stayed here for a while. After that we wanted a real lunch at a restaurant (in Balmaha) but for a banana it was a good spot to sit and eat. What is important if you are going to have a lunch here is to take your rubbish with you.
Enjoy the view of the Conic Hill
This was my very first climb ever. Okay, I have climbed mountains before but I can’t remember much of it. I noticed that I found climbing a little bit difficult. Quickly get out of breath while I have a good condition. I think I should be able to master this a bit in time.
I really recomment everyone to climb the Conic Hill if you’re in the Glasgow area. It is really crazy. The best thing you can to is to judge it for yourself. So what are you waiting for…
Before you go to climb
Always keep in mind that you are outdoor. Scotland is not a country where you can find a restaurant on every corner, especially if you go into the nature.
- Drink enough, even if it is cold.
- Also eat and if necessary an energy bar.
- Walking shoes or good sneakers are definitely recommended. You walk on stones.
- Some pieces are stile, walking sticks are recommend.
- Do not look and walk at the same time. If you want to look around, stop for a moment.
- Do not forget your camera, the view is really amazing.
