Attractions and Places To See around Gartmore - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Gartmore include a blend of historical sites and natural features within the rural Stirlingshire region of Scotland. Situated on the edge of the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, Gartmore serves as a base for exploring the Trossachs and is located within Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. The area is also notable for its position near the Highland Boundary Fault, offering diverse landscapes. Visitors can explore mountains, moorland, forests, and lochs, with many routes suitable for walking and cycling.
Best attractions and places to see around Gartmore
- The most popular attractions is View of Loch Lomond from Conic Hill, a viewpoint that offers expansive views of Loch Lomond and the Highlands. This location is a significant geological feature, forming part of the Highland Boundary Fault.
- Another must-see spot is Ben Ledi Summit, a viewpoint and one of the Trossach's popular peaks. Its summit provides views towards the Central Belt, the Ochils, the Campsie Fells, and into the Southern Highlands.
- Visitors also love View of Loch Katrine from the summit of Ben A'an, a summit located between Loch Katrine and Loch Achray. This summit, standing at 1,491 feet (454 m), offers views across Loch Katrine.
- Gartmore is known for its viewpoints, summits, and trails. The region offers a variety of natural monuments and challenging climbs to explore.
- The attractions around Gartmore are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 800 upvotes and more than 300 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: October 6, 2026
View of Loch Lomond from Conic Hill
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Sometimes it can be a bit crowded, as many day trippers from Balmaha also venture the climb.
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Ben Ledi Summit
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Path to Conic Hill Summit
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lochlomond-trossachs.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Conic-route-card.pdf
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Ben Venue East Top
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View of Loch Katrine from the summit of Ben A'an
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Tips from the Community
The summit path to Conic Hill is one of the most beautiful sections of the West Highland Way. From Balmaha, the well-developed, partly steep path leads uphill through heathland and over stony steps. With every metre gained in altitude, the view of Loch Lomond becomes more impressive. Once at the top, a fantastic panorama awaits over the loch, its islands, and the surrounding Highlands. The short ascent is certainly challenging – but for this view, a few beads of sweat are gladly accepted.
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There are stone steps for over 2km - so it's worth getting out your hiking poles...
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Conic Hill, a picturesque peak on Scotland's famous West Highland Way, offers walkers the first real challenge on their route north. Sitting as a sentinel over Loch Lomond, the 361 meter climb is a steep and strenuous stage, with gradients of up to 24%. However, anyone who makes the effort will be rewarded with magnificent views over Loch Lomond, and on a clear day the summit of Ben Lomond, Scotland's southernmost Munro, can even be seen. The beauty of the view of the lake and the Highlands is a motivating start to the rest of the West Highland Way. Despite the popularity and the associated overcrowding of the route, especially by day tourists from Balmaha, the climb up Conic Hill remains worthwhile. The views from the top of the southern end of Loch Lomond are breathtaking, and the vastness of the summit offers enough space for a relaxing picnic. While the climb may be steep and busy, alternative paths such as the routes suggested by Komoot offer quieter and more scenic paths. However, access can sometimes be restricted by locked gates, which can create challenges. The best time to climb is outside the peak season, June to September, to avoid the crowds and associated erosion of the slope. Still, even on a busy Saturday morning, the climb is worth the effort, especially for the rewarding view from the summit. Celebrate reaching the summit with a 360-degree spin and take in the truly breathtaking views. If you're lucky, the waters of Loch Lomond sparkle at your feet and the view to the north reveals the majestic Ben Lomond. As part of Scotland's Munro heritage - named after Sir Hugh Munro, who first cataloged them - this is a moment not easily forgotten.
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Now (2023) very elaborately paved with natural stones. Not very conducive to weak knees after a long day of hiking. Looks great, it was definitely a lot of work, but natural ground is simply more pleasant.
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The absolute highlight on our first WHW stage. The evening atmosphere on a sunny autumn day is breathtaking. The sunlight is reflected on Loch Lomond and we can already see the destination and look forward to great food and a beer at the Oak Tree Inn.
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Beautiful summit. Can be easily integrated into the Rob Roy Way.
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The stone steps to/from Conic Hill are fairly newly built. Extra caution is required when it is wet!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best natural viewpoints around Gartmore?
Gartmore is surrounded by stunning natural viewpoints. Highly recommended are the View of Loch Lomond from Conic Hill, which offers expansive views of Loch Lomond and the Highlands, and the Ben Ledi Summit, a popular peak in the Trossachs with views towards the Central Belt and Southern Highlands. Another must-see is the View of Loch Katrine from the summit of Ben A'an, providing breathtaking vistas across Loch Katrine.
Are there historical sites to visit in and around Gartmore?
Yes, Gartmore and its surroundings boast several historical sites. You can explore Gartmore House, a privately owned estate with a rich history, or visit the ruins of Gartartan Castle, a 16th-century Z-plan tower. The village also features the Robert Cunninghame Graham Memorial, Murray House dating back to 1745, and Gartmore Church, constructed in 1790.
What outdoor activities can I do near Gartmore?
Gartmore is an excellent base for outdoor activities, especially walking, running, and cycling. It's situated on the edge of the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, offering hundreds of kilometers of forest tracks. You can find easy hikes, running trails, and gravel biking routes. For example, explore easy hikes like the 'Riverside Path – Faerie Bridge loop' or 'Cunninghame Graham Memorial – Gartmore Shop loop' which start directly from Gartmore. For more options, check out the easy hikes around Gartmore, running trails around Gartmore, and gravel biking routes around Gartmore.
Are there family-friendly walks around Gartmore?
Yes, Gartmore offers several family-friendly walking options. The Queen Elizabeth Forest Park has many accessible forest tracks suitable for families. Easy routes like the 'Riverside Path – Faerie Bridge loop' or the 'Riverside Path – Doon Hill Fairy Trail loop' are good choices for a leisurely family outing near the village.
What are some challenging hikes or climbs near Gartmore?
For those seeking a challenge, the area around Gartmore provides several rewarding climbs. The ascent to Ben Ledi Summit is a popular and strenuous option, offering fantastic views. Another challenging but rewarding climb is to the Ben Venue East Top, known for its gorgeous views and quieter trails from Ledart Farm.
Can I find dog-friendly walks in Gartmore?
Many of the walking trails and forest tracks around Gartmore are dog-friendly, allowing you to explore the natural beauty with your canine companion. The Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, in particular, offers extensive areas for dogs to enjoy, though it's always advisable to keep them under control, especially near livestock or wildlife.
What is the best time of year to visit Gartmore for walking and outdoor activities?
The best time to visit Gartmore for walking and outdoor activities is generally from spring through autumn (April to October) when the weather is milder and daylight hours are longer. Summer offers the warmest temperatures, while spring and autumn provide beautiful scenery with fewer crowds. Winter walks are possible, but require appropriate gear due to potentially challenging conditions.
Where can I find local shops, cafes, or pubs in Gartmore?
Gartmore village has a strong community spirit and offers local amenities. The Black Bull Hotel and Public Bar serves as a community hub and a place to eat and drink. You can also find the Gartmore Community Village Shop & Post Office for essentials. For a wider selection, the Ben View Garden Centre at Ward Toll includes a conservatory restaurant and an antiques center.
Is there public transport available to Gartmore attractions?
While Gartmore is a rural village, public transport options are limited. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for connections to nearby towns like Aberfoyle or Stirling. For accessing specific attractions or trailheads, having your own transport or planning for local taxi services is often the most convenient option.
What makes the geology around Gartmore unique?
Gartmore holds a unique geological position near the Highland Boundary Fault. This significant geological feature separates the Scottish Highlands from the Midland Valley, resulting in diverse landscapes, rock types, and ecosystems. The Path to Conic Hill Summit is a prime example of an area where you can observe this fault line and its impact on the scenery.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Gartmore?
Visitors particularly enjoy the breathtaking views from the summits and viewpoints, such as those from Conic Hill, Ben Ledi, and Ben A'an. The challenging yet rewarding climbs, the diverse natural landscapes of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, and the extensive network of walking and cycling trails within the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park are highly appreciated. Many also value the sense of accomplishment after reaching a summit and the peaceful immersion in nature.
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