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The Cobbler's summit rock above a loch, the Arrochar hills beyond.
Argyll and Bute

The Cobbler

Ben Arthur, the Cobbler, the most distinctive mountain in the Southern Highlands, above Arrochar, climbed from Succoth on a path of about seven miles.

Welcome

Of all the mountains of the Southern Highlands, the Cobbler has the shape people remember: a crest of rocky peaks above Arrochar, one of them a great block of stone that, with some imagination, is a cobbler bent over his last.

Its other name is Ben Arthur, and it is one of the most popular hillwalks in Scotland.

The Cobbler is climbed from the Succoth car park at the head of Loch Long, on a clear path through woodland and onto the open hill. It is about eleven kilometres there and back with 920 metres of climbing, and takes four to six hours. There are steep, rocky sections near the top, and walkers can take in both main peaks.

From the summit ridge the view runs over Loch Long, Loch Lomond and the whole of the Arrochar Alps. Come prepared for the weather, which changes quickly on these tops.

A short drive awayBeinn ImeThe highest of the Arrochar Alps, 1,012 metres above Loch Long, climbed from Succoth with rocky Beinn Narnain.3 min by roadSee itBeinn Ìme above an old stone bridge in autumn colour.
Before you go

The hill is open all year.

Allow four to six hours for the round from Succoth, with good boots and clothing for the weather; the rocky tops are exposed.

Start
Succoth car park, off the A83 west of Arrochar.
The walk
11km, 920m of ascent, four to six hours.
Where it is

Above Arrochar at the head of Loch Long; the path starts at the Succoth car park on the A83.

Close byArrochar.
  1. The road climbing Glen Croe to the Rest and Be Thankful between steep green hills.Rest and be ThankfulThe pass under the Cobbler's shoulder.7 miles 10 min by road
  2. Wooden footbridge leading to stone steps through mossy woodlandTarbetThe village on the narrow neck between Loch Lomond and Loch Long, below the Arrochar Alps, where Vikings dragged their boats.7 miles 10 min by road
  3. The Tinkers' Heart, white quartz pebbles set in a heart in the old road surface.Tinkers’ Heart8 miles 11 min by road
  4. Loch LomondLoch LomondScotland's largest loch, a mile east of Arrochar.15 miles 24 min by road
  5. Snow on the hills above Loch Long and a line of white houses.Loch LongThe sea loch at its feet.20 miles 31 min by road
Directions
Beinn Ìme above an old stone bridge in autumn colour.AttractionsBeinn Ime2.8 miles
A dark timber cabin with a pitched metal roof stands among ferns and birch trees.CairndowKabnSleeps 2 · 7.9 miles
The Fyne Ales farm buildings in the glen from above.AttractionsFyne Ales8.7 miles
Chilled counter and shelves of jars inside the Loch Fyne Deli and ShopRestaurantsLoch Fyne Oyster Bar8.7 miles
A coffee on a timber table at the Boat Shed.CafeThe Boat Shed Café9.1 miles
A stone cottage with a slated roof sits nestled among dense woodland, two paddleboards resting on the lawn in front.LochgoilheadRed Squirrel CottageSleeps 6 · 9.5 miles
Seal Cabin, Argyll and ButeLochgoilheadSeal CabinSleeps 2 · 9.5 miles
Picnic tables under the trees by the loch.AttractionsFirkin Point9.5 miles
Loch Lomond and its hills from the slopes of Ben Lomond.AttractionsBen Lomond10 miles
The Daily for 19 October, from Scotland with love. bare tree stumps standing in an autumn loch, forested hills reflected in the still water

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Stay nearby

Places to stay near the mountain, and when each is next free.

A stone cottage with a slated roof sits nestled among dense woodland, two paddleboards resting on the lawn in front.Red Squirrel Cottage
  • Sleeps 6
  • In Lochgoilhead
  • 6 miles from the Cobbler
Check datesSeal Cabin, Argyll and ButeSeal Cabin
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Lochgoilhead
  • 6 miles from the Cobbler
Check datesA dark timber cabin with a pitched metal roof stands among ferns and birch trees.Kabn
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Cairndow
  • 7 miles from the Cobbler
Free 17–19 NovA Highland calf walks across a lawn before a pink harled house, a stone wall and outbuilding visible behind.Monachyle Mhor
  • To stay
  • In Balquhidder
  • 16 miles from the Cobbler
Check datesPlaces to stayEvery stay in Argyll and ButeAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
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