Conic Hill path works this winter

Upgrade works taking place until March 2023

Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park (LLTNP) has shared an update on work taking place this winter to Conic Hill path.

Conic Hill is a much-loved destination that attracts huge numbers of visitors each year. However, the huge popularity of the hill has placed significant pressure on the hill path, especially in recent years.

This winter, LLTNP is investing around £420,000 to repair and improve the Conic Hill path from Balmaha, with a similar level of investment likely to be made next year to complete the works.

This is part of a wider commitment from the National Park Authority to invest in visitor infrastructure in the National Park.

Specialist upland path contractor ACT Heritage Ltd was appointed to carry out the works, which started on 31 October 2022.

Between October – December, work focused primarily on upgrading the section of the path from Bealach Ard to the ford, the next section from the ford to the forest boundary from now until the end of March 2023.

Path closed while work takes place

From January - March 2023 (estimated eight to nine weeks)

The path will need to be closed while the second section of the path – from the ford to the forest boundary – is upgraded.

This section will involve replacing the timber steps with two-metre-wide stone pitching. The topography of this section of the path means that it will be too dangerous for the works to be carried out while the path remains open to the public. 

LLTNP have started work on this section of the path which will remain closed for the duration of the work, with no access to Conic Hill from either side. The West Highland Way will remain open but users will have to follow the low-level route down Creityhall Road to Milton of Buchanan and along the B837.

While the LLTNP appreciate that path closures are never ideal, to help minimise inconvenience for both visitors and businesses, it is carrying out this work in the winter months when visitor numbers, including West Highland Way walkers, are much reduced.

Go to the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park website for the full details of this work taking place.