Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
From the Succoth car park at the head of Loch Long, cross the road and climb the wide zigzag path through the trees. Turn left on a forest track and soon right onto the path again, which climbs out of the forest beside the Allt a' Bhalachain, past a small dam, to the Narnain Boulders. Keep right at a fork and follow the burn up the valley to a small lochan, then turn left up many stone steps to the col between the north and central peaks. Visit the central peak's small summit plateau, then climb the North Peak. Return the same way.
It is 10.5 km with 979 m of ascent; allow about 6½ hours. The grade is Hard: a long, steep climb, with steep rocky ground near the tops.
The true summit is a rock pinnacle on the central peak, reached through a hole and along a sloping ledge above a big drop. Reaching it is an exposed scramble, so this walk leaves it out. Heading for the Scottish Hills lists the Cobbler as Forestry and Land Scotland ground with no stalking issues.
The Succoth car park charges and, according to the National Park, gets busy early. Buses stop in Arrochar. The nearest station is Arrochar and Tarbet, about 1.7 km away.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- The Cobbler, or Ben Arthur, has the most distinctive outline of any hill in the southern Highlands
- The true summit is a rock pinnacle reached through a hole and along an exposed ledge: a scramble this walk does not include
- The Narnain Boulders beside the path were used as shelters by Glasgow climbers in the 1930s
Summits on the way
- The Cobbler [Ben Arthur] 887 m · passed close by
- The Cobbler North Peak 871 m · passed close by
Getting there
Start: Succoth car park, Arrochar · Pay and display. 56.20635, -4.75017
By train: Arrochar and Tarbet station is 1.7 km from the start.
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Succoth car park: Booking.com → Expedia →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.
