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The Cobbler (Ben Arthur)

Corbett
Quick Facts
This is the height of the mountain above sea level. However, on the climb, it is the ascent that matters, i.e. the sum of all the uphill parts of the route.
Altitude
884 m (2900 ft)

This is the standard notation used on Ordnance Survey Landranger maps.

Each reference consists of two letters identifying a 100,000 metre square block then three digits defining the Easting and finally the three digits defining the Northing with reference to the South West corner of the block.

NN166712 is the grid reference for the summit of Ben Nevis. Where you are given the map number ( For Ben Nevis = 41) it is acceptable to omit the two initial letters e.g. 166712. (Instructions on how to read the references are given on the OS maps).

Grid Ref.
NN25920586
An indication of this mountains height rank within its class. Where two mountains share the same height they are ordered alphabetically.
Stature
44 of 222 Corbetts
The number of ascent routes currently available on Munromagic.
Routes
1
Mountain names are usually in Gaelic, the native language of the Scottish Highlands, or have been derived from the old Scots and Norse languages. We give the most commonly accepted meaning, but accept that some of these are disputed.
Meaning
Person who makes or repairs shoes
 

The UK is covered by 204 Ordnance Survey Landranger 1:50,000 scale maps. Maps numbered 1 to 86 cover Scotland but for the highest mountains (Munros) only 23 maps are required. The name given roughly describes the area covered by the map.

OS Landranger Maps Required
  56   Loch Lomond & Inveraray
 

A description of the characteristics of the mountain including any hazards of which you should be aware.

  Description
Ben Arthur is better known as "The Cobbler" as its unusual rocky top is considered to represent a cobbler and his last. It is a gem of a mountain with something for everyone.

The approach is steep but easy, following the route of a dismantled railway, then on well made road into a beautiful glen with the impressive Narnain Boulders.

From there take a minor scramble through rocky outcrops to the summit ridge, with beautiful views in good weather.

Then just when you think you have cracked it you find that to reach the highest point you have to crawl through a hole in rocks (Argyll's Eyeglass) onto an narrow exposed ledge and scramble up to an exposed rock.

Since scrambling and a head for exposure are required, many people have almost reached the summit!

Hazards you may encounter on The Cobbler include
 Steep slopes on or near ascent routes.
 Crags near summit.
 Scrambling (major), greater exposure and steeper rock.
 
General Considerations
 Temperature decreases by 1degree C for every 100m of ascent.
 Wind usually increases with altitude.
 Visibility can change markedly with cloud level.
 River/Stream levels can increase markedly in one day.
Picture Gallery for The Cobbler

The Cobbler from the North.

© Stevie Lees
Image by Stevie Lees

Ben Arthur from Arrochar

© Eddie Robb
Image by Eddie Robb

View South towards Firth of Clyde with Arran in the Distance.

© Robert Bell
Image by Robert Bell

spectacular views

© Steven Mitchell
Image by Steven Mitchell
View All 54 Images for The Cobbler

A selection of weather forecasts local to #GetMountain.Top_Name#.

Ordnance Survey digital maps are also available to members.

  Weather & OS Maps
West Highlands
by MWIS (PDF format) 		West Highlands
by Met Office 		Ben Lomond
by Metcheck
The Cobbler Area Map
Legend  Munro  Corbett  Graham  English/Welsh Top  Accommodation

A selection of local accommodation options who advertise with Munromagic.com.

  Where to Stay
We currently have no
sponsored accommodation listings for this area.

The summary information of one or more ascent routes that include The Cobbler .

Click on the route title to load the full content for that route.

  Routes that include The Cobbler
  Ascent Distance Time Including... Description Rating
1 1010 m 9.91 km 4 hrs The Cobbler   This craggy mountain is a moderate climb with some easy scrambling BUT the final rocky summit is an exposed scramble (see mountain description)  
 

Pictures submitted by members on the summit of The Cobbler

 Baggers Gallery for The Cobbler

I love The Cobbler

© Martin Grady
Image by Martin Grady

Joseph Teven at the Summit of the Cobbler 27/07/2013

© David Peden
Image by David Peden

May 2013 - Scotland in sunshine!

© Stephen Watson
Image by Stephen Watson

Me on top, 27/4/13.

© Mark Thomson
Image by Mark Thomson
View All 48 Baggers Images for The Cobbler
The logging section stores any entries for The Cobbler in your own log. From here you can
  1. Add a route log entry that includes this mountain
  2. Write a full account of your route including photos
  3. Edit an existing log entry including uploading a GPX file or add a photo
  4. Delete your log entry
  Logging
Your Route Log
You need to be a member to have a route log.
Recently Climbed By
Graeme Mcphee on 03 Feb 2024

If a member has uploaded a tracklog as part of their personal route log and opted to share it then it will be presented here.

You can view a members route overlayed on an online map or download the KMZ file for use in Google Earth.

 Shared Members Track Logs
 
Beinn Narnain, Beinn Ime and The Cobbler
by Mark Rudzinski
The Cobbler
by David McSporran
The Cobbler
by Geert Gritter
The Cobbler and Beinn Ime
by Alan Parker
The Cobbler
by Brian Howarth
The Cobbler
by David McSporran
The Cobbler
by Stevie Yates

Post a few words about The Cobbler or read what others have had to say.

 Comments
 
Showing the most recent 5 of 11 comments. Would you like to view all 11?
Gerry Delaney
wrote on
August 17, 2010
Had an early start to Sunday to miss the crowds..glad I did..was like Sauchihall Street later on! Had the summit to myself for a good while, weather was superb, 23 degrees and clear views..stunning! Didn't brave the 'true' summit .. the sheer drop kinda put me off :) Met dozens of people on way down...every man and his dog was out for the day in the sunshine. Will def be back in the winter for another go!
David Stewart
wrote on
June 21, 2010
First hill climbed, loved it, hopefull work my way up to do Ben nevis.
iain watson
wrote on
March 15, 2010
walked up the route from the car park at loch long toward the cobbler past the narnain boulders and instead of going left in front we walked on and tried to take the steps at the back,they were covered in ice and with the wind trying its best to blow us off it was a risky ascent but made the top regaurdless.again the wind was very strong and found it difficult to stand up so needless to say i never summited,far too dangerous but i'll be back in the summer to finish the job.easily the most interesting looking mountain in the region and highly recommended
Harry Mills
wrote on
January 31, 2010
Managed to climb up to about 150m below east summit today, this was my first mountain, my 8 year old boy Declan was with me. We both loved it. Would have loved to make summit but too dangerous. We will be back.
James Corrigan
wrote on
November 23, 2009
Outstanding hill of the Arrochar Alps.Been up there 4 times now.The first path off to the left on the way up from the dam is good fun.The Needle on a calm day is also interesting.
 
 

A full written account of a climb submitted by our members.

You can prepare your own write up by first making an entry in your route log and then visiting the logging section above.

  Route Write-Ups
  Date Title Written by Including...
1 26 Jul 2010 Beinn Narnain and the Cobbler Peter Cawston Beinn Narnain and The Cobbler
 
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