The Cobbler Walking

This unique mountain is by far the most impressive of the Arrochar 'Alps' - indeed it's the only Alp-like one among them - and it's quite possibly the best Corbett in Scotland too. Arranged around a rugged central corrie, The Cobbler's three sharp rock peaks form an instantly recognisable skyline, its cliffs of smooth mica schist offering spectacular climbs and scrambles. The North Peak's improbable overhanging fins belie the fact that if approached from behind it's actually the easiest of the three summits to climb; in contrast the topmost blocks of the highest Centre Peak require a short but fairly tricky scramble; and the rocky molar of the South Peak is a no-go area for walkers altogether. This route concentrates on the higher, easier two out of the three.

The Cobbler from the Narnain Boulders  © Dan Bailey - UKHillwalking.com
The Cobbler from the Narnain Boulders
Fetching Map

Detailed description

1
NN2946304872 The initial routes of ascent described in old guidebooks have been superseded. Across the road from the car park is the entrance to a gravelly forest path; this zigzags uphill through the woods. On reaching a broader forestry track go left, then soon turn right off it for the continuation of the zigzagging path. Meet and follow the Allt a' Bhalachain uphill out of the woods, passing a small dam and continuing up-glen towards The Cobbler. The path crosses several little side streams, then passes through the massive Narnain Boulders where gnarly climbers of yesteryear would have bivvied with nothing but a bit of old newspaper and a bottle of whisky (softies these days prefer camper vans and mineral water). Soon after, there's a path junction.

2
NN2696005787 Go left, following the rough path up into the corrie - it's a little eroded and scrambly in parts. Ascend quite steeply to the left of the looming crags of North Peak, where a flight of flagstone steps leads to the corrie rim. Turn right for the quick there-and-back climb up the rocks to the jutting top of North Peak. Return to the top of the steps and continue on the obvious well-worn trail, skirting a little right of crags on the corrie edge to reach the wide grassy top of Centre Peak. Or not quite. The very highest point is the obvious rock stack, which many people will happily opt not to bother with. To climb it step through a hole that cuts through the pinnacle to gain a little ledge on its far side, overlooking a sharp drop-off. Edge along this, then cut up left to scramble to the blocky summit. To descend simply reverse the manoeuvre.
South Peak and Ben Lomond from Centre Peak of The Cobbler  © Dan Bailey - UKHillwalking.com
South Peak and Ben Lomond from Centre Peak of The Cobbler
© Dan Bailey - UKHillwalking.com, Sep 2010

3
NN2593005806 Return once more towards the col between the Centre and North Peaks and look out for a heavily used path on the left. This makes a descending traverse across the western slopes of North Peak, then leads down quite steeply as a flight of stone steps to reach a big col between The Cobbler and Beinn Narnain (easily climbed from here).

4
NN2620206542 At a path junction on the col go right, descending back past the Narnain Boulders to reverse the approach route.


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