Skip to main content

Balmaha

Where we are

Latest forest information

  • Conic Hill path open: we're aware that the site looks a little untidy following the clearance of windblow, our team are working to tidy things up. There is some damage to the trail from machinery, we will be carrying out remedial work in the coming months.

About

The gateway to East Loch Lomond

Pause here and enjoy the tranquil wooded shores and panoramic Loch Lomond views before climbing up through the Balmaha Pass towards Sallochy, Rowardennan and the foothills of the iconic Ben Lomond. The oakwoods here are a Site of Special Scientific Interest and home to a wide variety of animals and plants.

Walking trails

Walking

Millennium Forest Trail

Follow the oak-lined shore of Loch Lomond and climb up on to Craigie Fort, a magnificent viewpoint overlooking the loch, its islands and Ben Lomond.

Varied surface, including short rough rocky section. Some steep on loose gravel surface. Includes long flights of uneven rocky steps and two road crossings.

Moderate trail grade icon grade icon
1 ¼ miles / 2.1 km

Allow ¾ hour

Activities

Conic Hill

It's a short but tough walk to the top of the distinctive Conic Hill. The famous views from the top are more than worth the effort, though. The hill is positioned on the Highland Boundary Fault along with many of the islands lined up across the southern end of Loch Lomond. Find out more information about the route at WalkHighlands.

The West Highland Way

The West Highland Way, Scotland’s best known long distance trail, stretches 96 miles from Milngavie near Glasgow to Fort William. Walk a stretch of it at Balmaha and get a taste for the adventure.

Camping at East Loch Lomond

Sallochy Campsite is open between March and October. It's popular with walkers on the West Highland Way, which passes the entrance, but its idyllic spot on the shores of Loch Lomond make it ideal for longer stays.

Sallochy Campsite

Facilities and access

Walking
Walking
Parking
Parking
Toilets
Toilets
Easy-access facilities
Easy-access facilities
Visitor centre
Visitor centre
Picnic area
Picnic area
Campsite
Campsite

There are public toilets, visitor information, a play area and picnic tables at the Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Visitor Centre next to the car park.

There are also cafés and other visitor facilities in Balmaha village and nearby Drymen.

Car parking information

This car park is managed by Stirling Council. Please visit Stirling Council for charges, terms of parking and ways to pay. FLS parking passes or tickets are not valid in this car park. Please park with care and consideration.

Getting here

Park at the National Park Centre car park in the centre of Balmaha village.

Using SatNav?

G63 OJQ is the nearest postcode.

Public transport

Local bus services run to Balmaha from Balloch (the nearest train station) via Drymen. Plan your journey at Traveline Scotland.

Get directions

Get in touch

Have a question or suggestion for improvement?

Phone
0300 067 6600 (option 2)
More contact information

Nearby forests

Drooping conifer branch

Remote woodland in the hills above Drymen

Facilities and activities
Parking
Parking
Walking
Walking
Stay the Night
Stay the Night
Distance from 'Garadhban': 3.59 miles
Drooping conifer branch

Oakwood trails that pass a lochside pebbly beach

Facilities and activities
Easy-access facilities
Easy-access facilities
Parking (charge)
Parking (charge)
Toilets
Toilets
Tourist information
Tourist information
Walking
Walking
Campsite
Campsite
Distance from 'Sallochy Campsite': 3.93 miles
Drooping conifer branch

The quieter southern end of Loch Ard Forest

Facilities and activities
Parking
Parking
Walking
Walking
Distance from 'Old Drymen Road': 5.41 miles