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.

Buachaille Etive Mor, via Lagangarbh Buttress. Glen Coe. 17th July 2012

Buachaille Etive Mor (Stob Dearg 222 543 & Stob na Broige 190 525) is certainly high up in my list of favourite mountains.

Buachaille Etive Mor from the Lagangarbh car park 17/07/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

When approaching from the south along the A82, a short distance along the road from the Bridge of Orchy (297 396) the road starts to zig zag and climbs steeply as you approach Rannoch Moor, with Rannoch Moor on the right and the impressive massif that is The Black Mount on the left. Soon Buachaille Etive Mor comes into view with its impressive soaring buttresses and ridges. In winter in good weather it is certainly a very impressive and beautiful mountain.

Lagangarbh Buttress, Grade 3. Buachaille Etive Mor 17/07/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

Over a period of many years I have climbed on all the buttresses and completed all the classic scrambles in summer and winter, but I've never done the Lagangarbh Buttress. Strange really considering it is the most accessible.

Vicks just starting the scramble, Buachaille Etive Mor 17/07/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

Park near Lagangarbh at 221 563, take the well worn path south and cross the bridge over the River Coupall. Continue past Lagangarbh (221 559) and when the path splits take the climbers path left (222 558). At approximately 224 554 take a straight line up hill to the lower slabs and start of the scramble (223 551) at a height of 430m. No more than an easy 1 hours walk in.

Beinn a' Chrulaiste 17/07/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

At first the scrambling is on easy angled sound slabs but soon steepens to an impressive array of rocky steps that can be tackled either head on, or turned on either the right or left. I found the scrambling to be very enjoyable, relaxing and on good rock. The scramble is short lived and finishes at a point around 750m at 222 547, from here it is a straight forward walk to the summit of Stob Dearg (222 542).

Me scrambling up Lagangarbh Buttress Grade 3, Buachaille Etive Mor 17/07/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

This is certainly a good alternative approach to Stob Dearg for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of the normal ascent routes. It would also be an ideal route for those just getting involved in scrambling. For me, it was thoroughly enjoyable to see the mountain from a different aspect and this was my reward for the day.

Me taking in the views over Rannoch Moor, Buachaille Etive Mor 17/07/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

Upon arrival at the summit of Stob Dearg we were greeted by the usual crowds so decided to sit away from the summit in a sheltered spot over looking the vast expanse of Rannoch Moor to enjoy lunch.

The sandwich thief! Buachaille Etive Mor 17/07/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

The views did not last long and soon it was time to descend, the cloud had come down and the rain started.  We descended via the tourist route, from the bealach at 216 541. The well worn path drops steeply in to Coire na Tulaich (218 548) and soon you will be on the well made path back to Lagangarbh.

Stob na Doire from Stob Dearg, Buachaille Etive Mor 17/07/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)