The Cobbler (Ben Arthur)
The most distinctive peak in the Arrochar Alps, with a rocky summit block and a famous rock window.
- Distance
- 9 km
- Ascent
- 920 m
- Time
- 3.5–5 h
- Grade
- Hard
- Route
- Out and back
- High point
- 884 m
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Route mapped on from OpenStreetMap paths, with heights from EU-DEM terrain data; not yet checked on the ground by TRXO. Added to TRXO on . For planning only: always navigate with an up-to-date map such as OS Explorer or Harvey. How we make our routes.
About this walk
The Cobbler (Ben Arthur) is a hard 9 km out-and-back walk with 920 m of ascent, taking 3.5 to 5 hours. It starts at Succoth car park, head of Loch Long (grid reference NN 294 048). It climbs The Cobbler (884 m), a Corbett. The start can be reached by public transport.
The Cobbler's three rocky peaks are instantly recognisable from Arrochar, said to look like a cobbler bent over his last. A good path climbs from Loch Long past the Narnain Boulders into the corrie beneath the peaks.
The true summit sits on top of a rock block on the central peak. Reaching it means crawling through a hole in the rock, 'threading the needle', and an exposed step onto a narrow ledge. Many walkers happily stop at the foot of the block; only go further if you are a confident scrambler and conditions are dry.
Route
-
1
The zigzags
Cross the road from the car park and climb the zigzag path through the forest to a forest track.
-
2
Past the Narnain Boulders
Follow the path beside the Allt a' Bhalachain up the glen, passing the huge Narnain Boulders.
-
3
Into the corrie
Cross the burn and climb into the corrie between the peaks, then up to the col between the north and central peaks.
-
4
The central peak
Follow the ridge to the foot of the summit block. Return the same way unless you are prepared for the scramble onto the top.
Summit
887 m
“Named for its resemblance to a cobbler at work; officially Ben Arthur”
Questions about this walk
- How long does The Cobbler (Ben Arthur) take?
- Most walkers take 3.5–5 hours for the 9 km route, which has 920 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.
- Where does the walk start, and where can I park?
- It starts at Succoth car park, head of Loch Long (grid reference NN 294 048). Pay and display car park on the A83 at Succoth, opposite Arrochar.
- Can I get there by public transport?
- Trains on the West Highland Line to Arrochar & Tarbet, about 2.5 km away; Citylink coaches stop in Arrochar. Check times on Traveline Scotland.
- How hard is it?
- It's graded hard. Well-made zigzag path, then a rough path into the corrie. Rocky ground near the summit; the summit block needs an exposed scramble.
- Which hill does it climb?
- The Cobbler (887 m, Corbett).
- Can I take my dog?
- It isn't recommended for dogs.
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