Major path upgrade on one of Scotland's most popular hills

The Herald Scotland

2 days ago

LLTNPA said the investment, delivered over three years, "demonstrates its long-term commitment to protecting nature and promoting responsible visitor access, while working to support local businesses by enhancing and facilitating sustainable visitor experiences".
Affectionately known as a 'Mountain in Miniature,' Conic Hill draws more than 200,000 visitors annually due to its accessibility and geographic setting on the banks of Loch Lomond, forming part of the Highland Boundary Fault Line.
The hill, which has an elevation of 361m, is part of a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest with unique ecological and geological significance.
The newly completed path infrastructure, stretching 1.4km from Balmaha Visitor Centre to the summit, features a two-metre-wide path.
Over 2,000 tonnes of locally sourced stone from Dumbarton quarry have been carefully transported to site by land and air, where specialised contractors expertly applied the traditional craft of stone pitching. This technique, similar to constructing a dry-stone wall laid flat into the hillside, ensures long-lasting resilience and minimal environmental impact.
LLTNPA said it is also working with local landowners and Police Scotland to address livestock worrying, urging visitors to always keep dogs on a lead.
Work underway during the Conic Hill path upgrade (Image: Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority) The project's completion aligns with the 20th anniversary of Scotland's pioneering access legislation and the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, which came into force in 2005.
Simon Jones, Director of Environment and Visitor Services at LLTNPA, said: 'The completion of the extensive Conic Hill path improvement project is part of our ongoing commitment to investing in sustainable visitor infrastructure across the National Park. This investment is a key part of our wider Place Plan initiative, which balances recreation with environmental sustainability and enhances biodiversity, visitor infrastructure, and local economic benefits simultaneously.
'We look forward to continuing similar efforts, such as our improvements work at Tarbet Pier Picnic Site, and as we head into our peak visitor season, encourage everyone to respect this special landscape, enjoy the new path responsibly, and help us protect the beauty and biodiversity of Conic Hill for future generations.
Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: 'I am delighted that this summer the thousands of visitors to Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park will benefit from the repaired pathway on Conic Hill and look forward to seeing the further improvements the Park Authority has planned. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code has been helping people to enjoy our beautiful countryside responsibly for two decades and this is a great way of marking that anniversary.'
Ryan Hamilton of Hamiliton Construction added: "When Hamilton's took over works in late 2023, we undertook an uphill task of navigating through a hillside known for its challenging terrain and addressing significant erosion scars. We have endured all types of weather, from temperatures as low as minus 10c to the blistering heat of peak summer, to complete almost 900m of the new path, of which we are immensely proud.
'Feedback from walkers during our time on the hill has been very positive. The greatest satisfaction comes from hearing that individuals who were previously unable to access Conic Hill, can now do so."