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Hiking trails & Routes
United Kingdom
Scotland
West Scotland
Arrochar, Tarbet And Ardlui

The Cobbler — A circuit from Succoth

Moderate

4.4

(69)

325

hikers

The Cobbler — A circuit from Succoth

04:23

10.2km

820m

Hiking

Embark on a rewarding hike up The Cobbler, also known as Ben Arthur, a distinctive mountain in the Arrochar Alps. This moderate circuit from Succoth covers 6.3 miles (10.2 km) with a significant elevation gain of 2705 feet (824 metres), typically taking around 4 hours and 23 minutes to complete. You will start on a well-maintained path through forestry, which soon transitions to rough mountain tracks with increasingly steep and rocky sections as you ascend, offering panoramic views of Loch Long and the village of Arrochar, with the Narnain Boulders serving as a familiar landmark.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as parking is readily available at Succoth, making it an accessible day trip from cities like Glasgow. While the trail is generally considered an easy hillwalk in favorable conditions, its difficulty can change significantly with the seasons. If you plan to hike in winter, be prepared for a challenging environment that may require proper gear like crampons and ice axes.

The Cobbler is renowned for its unique, jagged profile, often said to resemble a cobbler bending over his last, making it one of the most recognizable peaks in the Southern Highlands. A highlight for many is the scramble to the true highest point, involving a feature known as "threading the needle." This is not technically difficult but requires confidence and should be avoided in poor weather, adding to the mountain's appeal despite its Corbett status.

Last updated: April 23, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park

Waypoints

A

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

1

3.09 km

Narnain Boulders

Highlight • Viewpoint

The Narnain Boulders are a familiar sight on the hike up to The Cobbler. Climbers have tested themselves on these two huge blocks for generations and even used to sleep beneath them. The area played an important part in early Scottish climbing history and was particularly popular with Glaswegian pioneers.

Tip by

2

4.75 km

The Cobbler (Ben Arthur)

Highlight • Summit

The Cobbler is one of the most charismatic of all of Scotland's mountains. 100 feet (30 m) shy of Munro status, it manages to outshine its higher neighbours with a mixture of technical challenge and a freakish, yet undeniably impressive, shape.

Two of its three summits can only be surmounted by rock climbing but the highest and central summit can be reached by hikers. However, the very top, a bizarre rock formation, is not so simple. To reach its apex, you ‘thread the needle’, passing through a gap in the rock, before scrambling up a narrow ledge with a sickening drop to your right in order to gain the summit platform. It’s scary but straightforward in dry conditions.

Tip by

3

6.72 km

The Cobbler South-East Ridge

Highlight • Natural Monument

This is an alternative to the tourist route. The climb up from dam can be boggy but once it's much firmer on the ridge. You'll have nice views down Loch Long and over to The Brack. There's nothing tricky on the way to the summit, though it's rocky and steep around the South Peak.

Tip by

4

9.00 km

View of Loch Long and Ben Lomond

Highlight • Viewpoint

Beautiful view of Long Loch and the mountain Ben Lomond behind. There is also a bench nearby, so you can rest if you are tired after the little climb.

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Tip by

B

10.2 km

End point

Parking

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Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

7.69 km

1.74 km

756 m

Surfaces

5.01 km

3.47 km

1.59 km

125 m

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Elevation

Elevation

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Highest point (820 m)

Lowest point (0 m)

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Weather

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Monday 6 July

17°C

14°C

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