The Cobbler, or Ben Arthur, is one of the best-known mountains in the Arrochar Alps and a favourite with visitors staying around Arrochar and Tarbet. Its distinctive rocky summit gives it plenty of character, but it is still a serious hill walk and deserves the same preparation as any mountain day in Scotland.
Before you set out
Check a mountain-specific weather forecast, look at wind as well as rain, and make sure everyone in the group is comfortable with the expected conditions. Good footwear, waterproof layers, food, water and a charged phone are basic essentials. In winter or poor conditions, the demands increase significantly, so do not treat a familiar route description as a substitute for current mountain knowledge.
Allow enough time
Start with plenty of daylight in hand, particularly outside summer. The route may take longer than expected if the ground is wet, the group is mixed in ability or cloud makes navigation slower. Rushing the return is no fun, and one of the benefits of staying nearby is that there is no need to squeeze the walk around a long drive home.
The summit and conditions
The Cobbler is famous for its rocky summit area. Conditions can change quickly higher up, and cloud, wind or wet rock may make the final section feel very different from the lower path. There is no prize for forcing the summit if the weather or confidence of the group says otherwise. A good mountain day is one everyone gets back from comfortably.
After the walk
Arrochar is close at hand for food and a well-earned sit down, while a nearby cottage gives you somewhere to dry kit, shower and properly recover. For guests planning several walking days, self-catering is particularly handy because you can eat early, prepare packed lunches and change plans quickly if the forecast shifts.
Make a longer stay of it
If The Cobbler is the main event, leave some room for easier days around Loch Long and Loch Lomond. Our things to do in Arrochar page has ideas for lower-effort days, and the Arrochar guide gives an overview of the wider area.