Conic Hill, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, Scotland, Autumn
We’re back in Scotland, bayBEEEE!
It feels so good to be back. Especially during the height of autumn, clearly the best time of the year.
We’ve had to contend with a variety of low pressure weather systems waving across the British Isles this week. This doesn’t seem to be easing. So, this morning, we got up and out to Balmaha. We wanted to get a hike up to the summit of Conic Hill (361 m/1,184 ft) before the forecasted rain storm arrived.
Thankfully conditions were favourable for long enough for us to enjoy the short, yet steep, hike up to Conic Hill and enjoy its amazing views.
All photos shot on my Fujifilm X-T2 using my Laowa 9mm f/2.8 and an adapted Pentax SMC 55mm f/2.0 lens. Developed using RNI Films’ Kodachrome film profiles.
Into the woods of Queen Elizabeth Forest Park, which nestle beneath the peaks of Conic Hill.
Some lovely soft light deep in the forest.
Especially this subtle spotlighting.
The West Highland Way starts to climb up as we look to exit the forest. Gorgeous light everywhere.
Vibrant reds of Rowan berries everywhere as we pop out of the forest and begin the steep ascent up towards the hill.
Our first sighting of a Highland Cow! Definitely in Scotland now…
I was very fortunate to snap this intimate moment between a Highland cow and her calf.
A herd of Highland cows and their calves, occupying a good outlook just off the West Highland Way.
The way up gets steeper. Though not busy, there’s still plenty of people around.
Our target: Conic Hill. Looking mighty steep.
Another look back at the Highland cows. Pretty damn good view they’re enjoying; I can see why they’re there.
The view east from the summit of Conic Hill. Wowsers!
An 8-shot panorama from the summit of Conic Hill, looking down its ridge towards the islands of Loch Lomond and its western hills. Fantastic.
A 5-image panorama, taking in the views from Conic Hill towards the Arrochar Alps, the low clouds clipping their peaks.
Conic Hill, and the islands of Inchcailloch and Inchmurrin, mark the Highland Boundary Fault, where two prehistoric continents (one containing Scotland, the other containing England) smashed into each other. Absolutely fascinating.
Another panorama taking in the sweeping views on the way down the West Highland Way.
The last of the good light, before the rain storm came in.
Back into the Queen Elizabeth Forest. Time to get the ultra-wide 9mm lens out.
There’s something lovely about the soft light you get in woodland. No wonder “forest bathing” is a thing.
Thankfully this part of the forest is pitched with steps, I can imagine it turns into a cascade of waterfalls in wet weather.
I just loved the cris-crossing of these ferns.
Lovely forest light again as start to emerge from the woods back to the Balmaha car park.
What a crackin’ hike.