Corbett · Arrochar & Trossachs
The Cobbler (Ben Arthur)
The Cobbler — formally Ben Arthur — is the most recognisable mountain in the Arrochar Alps and probably the most-photographed Corbett in Scotland. The 884m peak has three distinct rocky tops: the south, the central (highest visible from below), and the true summit on the north peak, which can only be reached by squeezing through 'the eye of the needle', a natural rock hole, and stepping onto an exposed block. The hill stands directly above Loch Long opposite Arrochar and is the local Glasgow climber's classic short day — close enough for an evening ascent from the city, dramatic enough to feel like a real mountain.
Quick facts
- Height
- 884m/ 2900ft
- Distance
- 11 km
- Ascent
- 880 m
- Time
- 3–6 hrs
- Grid ref
- NN259058
- Parking
- NN294049
- Nearest city
- Oban
- Dogs
- Dogs on lead required near livestockDog-friendly guide ↗
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Standard route
forest track 20% · stone path 45% · rocky scramble 25% · open hillside 10%
Park at the Succoth car park on Loch Long (NN294049) — pay-and-display, often full at weekends. Cross the A83 by the underpass and pick up the well-built path that zigzags up through forestry onto the open hillside. The path climbs steadily into the broad corrie below the three summits. The south peak is gained by a steep walk; the central is the popular tourist stop with a small rock-platform viewpoint; the true north summit requires the famous eye-of-the-needle scramble. Allow 4.5–5.5 hours.
Terrain
Forestry track for the first kilometre, then a long pitched stone zigzag built and maintained by Mountaineering Scotland. The path is excellent in dry weather and slippery when wet. Above the path the corrie is grass and scree; the summit area is loose blocks and slabs. The eye-of-the-needle scramble is sheltered from the wind but seriously exposed once you step onto the summit block.
In winter
Full winter conditions are common on the upper Cobbler from December through March. The pitched path freezes into a continuous ice ramp; the summit scramble becomes a serious mountaineering proposition under verglas, with a fall off the summit block having severe consequences. Crampons and ice axe are essential; the through-hole route is rarely attempted in full winter without rope work. Many parties stop at the central peak in winter.
This hill is in the Lochaber SAIS forecast area. Check SAIS forecasts in winter (December–April).
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow1h 0m
- Edinburgh2h 45m
OS maps: OS Explorer 364, OS Landranger 56
Mobile signal: Poor on approach from Succoth; no signal on rocky summit; occasional 1-2 bars on the broad col
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 04:41
- Sunset
- 21:53
- Civil dawn
- 03:43
- Civil dusk
- 22:50
NOAA Solar Calculator · 31 May 2026
Pair with
Curated multi-hill combinations from The Cobbler (Ben Arthur).
On a long-distance route
The Cobbler (Ben Arthur) sits within 5km of these named long-distance walks — useful for trail-pack rest days or section extensions.
Around The Cobbler (Ben Arthur) on the SCOT network
Getting there, basing yourself, and what to do off the hill.
Getting there: Arrochar & Tarbet station
Arrochar Alps — The Cobbler, Beinn Ime, Beinn Narnain, Ben Vane, Ben Vorlich
4km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TripSCOTBase yourself in Luss
West Loch Lomond village — Highland Boundary, Loch Lomond Way
15km from the hill
tripscot.co.uk
On TasteSCOTAfter the hill: Loch Lomond
Alexandria — sprawling distillery on the south end of the loch
27km from the hill
tastescot.co.uk
The Cobbler (Ben Arthur) — common questions
- How hard is The Cobbler (Ben Arthur)?
- The Cobbler (Ben Arthur) is rated 3/5 (moderately challenging) on the OutdoorSCOT scale. The standard route covers about 11km with 880m of ascent and takes most walkers 3-6 hours. Terrain: Forestry track for the first kilometre, then a long pitched stone zigzag built and maintained by Mountaineering Scotland.
- Where do I park for The Cobbler (Ben Arthur)?
- Standard parking is at NN294049 near Glasgow. Check the parking grid reference on an OS map before travel; informal laybys can fill on summer weekends.
- When is the best time to climb The Cobbler (Ben Arthur)?
- The standard good-weather months for The Cobbler (Ben Arthur) are April, May, June, September, October. Outside those months, expect winter conditions on the high ground — full mountain kit, navigation skills, and a check of the SAIS avalanche forecast for the relevant region.
- Can I bring my dog up The Cobbler (Ben Arthur)?
- Yes, but dogs must be kept on a lead — there is livestock or ground-nesting bird interest on the route.
- Is there mobile signal on The Cobbler (Ben Arthur)?
- Poor on approach from Succoth; no signal on rocky summit; occasional 1-2 bars on the broad col
- Is The Cobbler (Ben Arthur) safe in winter?
- Full winter conditions are common on the upper Cobbler from December through March. The pitched path freezes into a continuous ice ramp; the summit scramble becomes a serious mountaineering proposition under verglas, with a fall off the summit block having severe consequences. Crampons and ice axe are essential; the through-hole route is rarely attempted in full winter without rope work. Many parties stop at the central peak in winter.