The Cobbler 22nd July 2012

The Arrochar Alps is an area I have been visiting now for sometime. Although I have previously only climbed on The Cobbler once, I have walked it's peaks on numerous occasions in summer and winter. It's a striking hill to walk, in good weather it's central coire looks inspiring. With my lift sorted, we were off.

North Peak summit cairn, The Cobbler 22/07/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

One of the main reasons I like this area is it is so accessible to those that do not drive. Arrochar (296 038), Rest and Be Thankful (230 074) and Butterbridge car park (234 095) can all be reached with ease using public transport. The trains from Glasgow run to Helensburgh on a regular basis and a bus from Helensburgh will take you the rest of the way to Arrochar. You could also use the City Link coach service from Queens Street in Glasgow, or Scotrail's service from Glasgow Queen Street to Arrochar & Tarbet. If you're quick you should be able to do a round of the hills and make it to the Village Inn for a meal before your return journey.


Me at the summit of North Peak, The Cobbler 22/07/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

There are numerous approaches to The Cobbler, taking into account the foul weather we went for the most direct. Starting from the Forestry Commission car park (294 048), cross over the road with care to the signposted and well worn path. Follow the path gently uphill until you come out of the forest (281 048). At this point the path narrows but remains obvious, continue along the path with the river Allt a Bhalachain on your left. In no time at all you'll reach the Narnain Boulders (273 056). A short distance from the Boulders, the path splits, take the path left (269 058) cross the river and head steeply uphill to the bealach in between the South (261 057) and North Peak (261 060), there is a large cairn (260 061). From here depending on you, go either left or right. We decided to go right, to the summit of The North Peak.

All that could be seen of the impressive North Peak crags. Dalriada E8 6c***, The Cobbler 22/07/2012
(Photo: A J Thorley)

By the time we reached the summit of The North Peak, we were thoroughly soaked and quickly decided to descend the way we approached and what seemed like no time at all we were soon back down to the car park. Quickly we changed, jumped into the car and set the heaters to maximum warp! Although soggy, it was a great outing and I really enjoyed it.