Get Lost Mountaineering

The Cobbler from Loch Long

Start/Finish

Pay and Display (£1 per day in 2015) at the head of Loch Long on the A83 Tarbert to Inverary road. From Tarbert, go over the pass to Arrochar and follow the A83 around the head of Loch Long. Park in the second car park opposite the turning for Succoth. There are no toilets in this car park.

Distance/Time

11 km     About 5 – 6 hours.

Peaks

The Cobbler, 884 m, NN 259 058.      OS Sheet 56.

Introduction

The Cobbler is one of the most famous peaks in Scotlandwith its distinctive three summits when viewed from the pass between Tarbert and Arrochar. The Cobbler is visited by many but few actually reach its highest point as the last few metres involve climbing a tower. It is not technically difficult but there is a very exposed sloping ledge which puts many off and should not be attempted in wet, windy or icy conditions. Views are superb and include Ben Lomond, Beinn Ime and Beinn Narnain plus many more.

Route

(1) Almost opposite the car park entrance, an obvious path slants off up the hillside into the trees. It is signed for Beinn Narnain and The Cobbler. Follow the path which zig-zags up the otherwise steep hillside. It crosses a track at one point and there is a bench here for those who already need a rest! Continue up and pass a small dam then the two very large Narnain Boulders. If it is clear, The Cobbler will have been in view for some time. Further on, the path splits. Take the left fork which picks a way up the front of The Cobbler. The path splits in places offering choices of route but there is no need for any scrambling and one will eventually reach a cairn on the crest just below the imposing N peak. Go left and follow the obvious path towards the Central peak. Reach level ground with an obvious rock tower on the left, E. The highest point is the top of this tower which is not that much higher than the easy level ground. The tower can look intimidating with drops on all sides. The tower is about 5 m high. It has two “windows”. The route to the top goes through the first window which can be reached by clambering over a few boulders. On the other side of this window is a sloping ledge going left but directly ahead is a long sheer drop! Go up the ledge then double back to the highest point on The Cobbler, 884 m. In the dry, the rock is sound with good hand and foot holds but many give the tower a miss and one cannot blame them! Remember that it has to be descended as well!

(2) Once back on the level ground, follow the obvious path N towards the N peak which is actually quite easy to ascend. From the cairn below it, at the top of the ascent path, there is a path going up. Follow this and try to go right at every opportunity. Higher up, there is a long slab which is straightforward in the dry but is best avoided in the wet. A small cairn marks the summit. Descend on an easier path to intersect with the main path on the crest then follow this down. It is stepped for much of the descent. At the bottom, turn right and follow the main path back to the outward path junction then back to the start.

Notes

(a) This walk took place on 2^nd July, 2015.