An adventurous scramble to the Cobbler, Arrochar Alps

Located in the Arrochar Alps,  the Cobbler is an 884-metre mountain with a distinctive shape (supposed to resemble a cobbler). On the top you can witness a stunning view of  the nearby Loch Long, Loch Lomond, and mountain ranges that extend to the horizon.

There is a clear path that goes up the Cobbler, and the mountain is easy to access from Glasgow, so it's a good place to get started with mountain hiking in the Highlands. If you're feeling adventurous, as we were, you can spice up your hike by choosing a route that requires a bit of scrambling.

The Cobbler -- view towards the peak

How to get there?

You can take a train from Glasgow to Arrochar and Tarbet and walk 3km from there to the root of the mountain where the path up begins. The train route is very scenic, you get a perfect far away view of  the Cobbler and the valley around Loch Long just before arriving to the station.

If coming by car, Succoth car park is just a stone's throw away from the start of the trail.

What's the weather like?

We hiked up the mountain in late August, and it was very warm and sunny, some 15-20 degrees Celsius. If the weather is warm like it was for us, you're likely to feel the heat going up, so having plenty of water with you is important. On the summit, however, the warmth didn't feel any more, and the temperature felt more like 5 degrees and windy. So even if the weather is very warm on the sea level, a winter jacket will probably come handy on the summit. Check if the weather looks fine before you go.  

Loch Long

How long does it take?

We spent 7 hours on our route (see map below), with plenty of time for picnic breaks and picture taking. There are lots of views to admire along the way (not only from the top — also the river flowing right next to the trail is pretty, as are the Narnain Boulders that you'll see on the way.)

Click here for a detailed description of the route.

What to wear?

We hiked up in trainers and saw many others doing this too. But it does take a bit of a toll on your feet, especially going down, so having hiking boots is not a bad idea.

A jacket will be useful at the summit, no matter how warm it is at the start of the trail.

Other interesting things?

We saw some pretty mountain sheep grazing on the slopes of the mountain. You may also see some brave rock climbers climbing up the vertical cliffs of the North Peak.

The route

The route we took starts from Succoth car park, and then ascends through a forest on a zigzag road. This part is somewhat steep but otherwise a wide and easy road. The zigzag road takes you to about 300 metres up the mountain.

After the forest road the peaks become visible, and the goal is in sight. The trail then follows the banks of a river, becoming less steep. This part of the trail, up until the beginning of the root of the peaks, is scattered with boulders.  The Nairn Boulders that the trail passes through are massive and an impressive sight. This trail takes you to about 550 meters and is easy to follow.

Following the stream towards the peak

There is then a split of the trail where you have two options: either head up towards the summit by turning right here or continue straight on the trail, going to the back side of the mountain on a gentler but longer path. We took the former option up and the latter option down, making it a loop.

The path gets steep here

Going up the steep path, you'll have to do some scrambling at places. It is a rather steep and rocky trail, but the direction is clear as you can see the summit all the time. We saw a few people coming down this steep path, and they looked rather intimidated by it, so descending this path could be tricky. 

Getting close to the top, looking at the trail below

Near the end of the trail, you're right below the North Peak, and the view up is dramatic: over 50 metres of straight cliff edge (which is popular with rock climbers -- you're likely to see some here). Luckily, you will not be taking that route up, as the trail circles around the peak instead.

Around here one needs to scramble a bit!

You will then reach a cairn that is right between the three different peaks of the Cobbler, the North Peak, the Summit and the South Peak. The North Peak is slightly lower than the Summit, but looks more dramatic with its vertical cliffs and has equally good views from its top. Depending on the route, it requires a little scrambling. The Summit is easier to climb, but on the top there is a challenge: the famous threading the needle to reach the true highest point (see video below!). The South Peak, despite being the lowest, is the most serious scramble, almost a rock climb. We headed to the North Peak, so the rest of the post tells you how to get there and back.

Going to the North Peak, you'll turn right from the cairn and make your way some 50 metres up. The straightest way up looks a little risky, with some smooth slabs that are not so easy to get a hold of, but we discovered it's much easier to circle to the north side of the peak and ascend from there, avoiding the need for scrambling.

 

Final metres to the Cobbler's Nort Peak

The summit of any of the three peaks is a good place to stop to admire the view and for example have a cup of tea.

Views from the summit to Loch Long and beyond

Heading down, we took the less steep way around the summit, as mentioned. You'll head back to the cairn between the summits and take the trail that goes north. This path is easy to hike, and not nearly as steep as the way up. There is one part that is a bit steeper than the rest of it, but there are cobblestone stairs that makes it easier.

Lots of mountain sheep on the slopes

Having descended the mountain proper, you reach the mountain pass between the Cobbler and Bein Narnain. From here the way down is straightforward: head south along a clear and easy path that takes you back to the intersection where there was a choice between the steeper and gentler route. Keep heading straight from here, and you'll end back the same way you came. Make a stop in the village of Arrochar to celebrate your hike with a meal, and then head back to the train station.

View from Arrochar