If you’re visiting Loch Lomond, you’ve got to check out these 2 hikes to get amazing views of the Loch from high above! Both Conic Hill and Ben A’an offer 360 views and roughly take the same time! If you’ve got time I’d definitely recommend doing both.
Conic Hill
This first hike is a short but steep one and takes you up high for an amazing view from the Eastern side of Loch Lomond. To get to the car park (you’ll need to pay for a parking ticket) for the trail it’s a short 25 minute drive from Balloch.
From here walk towards the end of the car park and you’ll see a path, go up here then turn right you’ll see a sign to Conic Hill. Follow this path all the way up stopping for photos along the way!
For the first 20 minutes or so you’ll be walking amongst the trees then you’ll walk through a gate and the climb will start to get steeper. Along the path you may even find yourself walking amongst some sheep. The views are absolutely amazing even on a cloudy day like we had!
It takes about 45 mins – 1 hour each way, it took us about 45 mins and we stopped along the way for photos too!
The path is quite steep in places so you should wear trainers that have proper grip or walking boots. It was also very windy at the top!
Ben A’an
This hike takes you to one of the best viewpoints in Loch Lomond & the Trossachs National Park. From here you’ll get 360 views, and you’ll see the stunning Loch Katrine and Loch Aberfoch. To get here park at the Ben A’an Car Park which is about a 45 minute drive from Balloch. Whilst driving you’ll drive along Dukes Pass a stunning single track road (don’t worry there are passing places) where you climb up high surrounded by trees and beautiful views.
Once you arrive in car park, you’ll need to pay for a parking ticket which when we visited cost £3 for the whole day. Depending on what time of day you go, you may get lucky like we did and those who have already climbed will give you their parking ticket.
The path starts directly opposite the car park across the road, it’s quite a steep path but is totally worth it so keep going!
When you arrive near the top you’ll first see views of Loch Katrine which are amazing! Then continue walking up and you’ll see Loch Aberfoch!
Seeing this really reminded us of hiking the Bald Hills in Canada. From here you can really appreciate the size of the Loch, they are huge!
It takes about 45 minutes to an hour to reach the top and the same back down! This was one of our favourite hikes of the whole trip. The views are unbelievable and you feel like you’re on top of the world!
Conic Hill and Ben A’an are both fantastic hikes with picturesque views along the way and from the top! If you’re wondering what else to do in Loch Lomond check out my post here!
