Arrochar via Allt a' Bhalachain up The Cobbler: route map, distance and time
884 m · Loch Lomond and The Trossachs · OS grid NN259058
The Cobbler is the craggy Corbett above Arrochar, with three rocky tops and a summit block reached by threading a window in the rock.
A forest path climbs beside the Allt a' Bhalachain to the corrie, then up to the col and the exposed summit block.
Arrochar via Allt a' Bhalachain at a glance
| Distance | 5.4 km one way, to the top |
|---|---|
| Ascent | 870 m |
| Time up | 2h 30m by Naismith's rule |
| There and back | 3h 35m, down the same way |
| Grade | Scramble |
| Start | Succoth car park, head of Loch Long |
| Start grid reference | NN 297 053 |
| Summit grid reference | NN259058 |
Arrochar via Allt a' Bhalachain map
The start (green) and the summit (blue). Peakify has no GPX track for this route yet, so follow the description and your map.
Height profile and getting to the start
Near the start
- Ben Arthur's Bothy0.9 km
- The Village Inn1.9 km
- The Arrochar Tea Room0.8 km
- Cu Mara1.2 km
- Public toilets0.4 km
- MacTavish Campsite0.5 km
From OpenStreetMap, within 2 km. Check opening times before you rely on them.
How long Arrochar via Allt a' Bhalachain takes
| Pace | To the top | There and back |
|---|---|---|
| Brisk 6 km/h, 8 min per 100 m up | 2h 5m | 3h 0m |
| Steady (Naismith) 5 km/h, 10 min per 100 m up | 2h 30m | 3h 35m |
| Relaxed 4 km/h, 12 min per 100 m up | 3h 5m | 4h 25m |
Times leave out stops. Coming down the same way, the table counts the ascent once; steep descents on rough ground can be as slow as the climb.
- Today: sunrise 07:18, sunset 16:47. Start by 12:12 to be down before dark, allowing 3h 35m for the walk and an hour for stops.
- Tomorrow: sunrise 07:20, sunset 16:45. Start by 12:10 to be down before dark, allowing 3h 35m for the walk and an hour for stops.
The Cobbler summit weather for this route
-
Poor Today Wednesday 28 October
Moderate rain, up to 6°C at the summit, feeling as cold as -3°C, summit wind 47 mph gusting 58 mph, 100% chance of rain. Rated Poor. Sunrise 07:18, sunset 16:47.
-
Marginal Tomorrow Thursday 29 October
Light drizzle, up to 7°C at the summit, feeling as cold as 1°C, summit wind 33 mph gusting 42 mph, 32% chance of rain. Rated Marginal. Sunrise 07:20, sunset 16:45.
Best day of the next seven for Arrochar via Allt a' Bhalachain: Monday 2 November, with summit gusts around 14 mph and a 4% chance of rain.
Hour-by-hour The Cobbler forecast · 14-day forecast · Is it safe to climb The Cobbler?
Before you go, also check: MWIS West Highlands forecast · Met Office mountain forecast.
What to take today
- An insulated jacket, hat and warm gloves: it feels like -3°C on top.
- Waterproof jacket and overtrousers: 100% chance of rain.
- A windproof layer, and poles for balance in gusts to 58 mph.
- Map and compass, and the skills to use them. A phone is a backup, not a plan.
- A head torch, food, water, a charged phone and a small first aid kit.
About The Cobbler
The Cobbler is the craggy Corbett above Arrochar, with three rocky tops and a summit block reached by threading a window in the rock. More about The Cobbler, with the live forecast.
On the lists: Corbett, Marilyn.
Extend the walk: tops near the summit
- Beinn Narnain (927 m), 1.5 km north-east
- Beinn Ime (1,012 m), 2.7 km north
- Beinn Luibhean (860 m), 2.7 km north-west
Challenges that include The Cobbler
More walks from Succoth car park, head of Loch Long
Routes in Peakify's guides that start within 500 m of this one, for another day from the same car park.
- Arrochar via Bealach a' Mhaim up Beinn Ime
In an emergency
Call 999, ask for the police and then mountain rescue. Give your location (the start is at NN 297 053, the summit at NN259058), what happened and how many are in your group. If you have no signal for a call, a text to 999 works once you have registered your phone with emergencySMS: text "register" to 999 before you go.
Arrochar via Allt a' Bhalachain: questions and answers
How far is Arrochar via Allt a' Bhalachain?
Arrochar via Allt a' Bhalachain is 5.4 km one way to the summit of The Cobbler, with 870 m of ascent. There and back by the same way is about 10.8 km.
How long does Arrochar via Allt a' Bhalachain take?
About 2h 30m to the summit of The Cobbler and 3h 35m there and back by Naismith's rule (5 km/h plus 10 minutes per 100 m of ascent), before stops. A relaxed group takes nearer 4h 25m for the round trip.
Where do you park for Arrochar via Allt a' Bhalachain?
Arrochar via Allt a' Bhalachain starts from Succoth car park, head of Loch Long. The grid reference is NN 297 053.
Is Arrochar via Allt a' Bhalachain suitable for beginners?
No. It is a scramble: you use your hands on rock, often with big drops below. Go with someone experienced, on a dry and calm day.
What time should I start Arrochar via Allt a' Bhalachain today?
By 12:12 at the latest. Sunset on The Cobbler today is 16:47, Arrochar via Allt a' Bhalachain takes about 3h 35m there and back, and that leaves an hour for stops. Start earlier in winter or if the forecast turns.
Is there a GPX for Arrochar via Allt a' Bhalachain?
Not yet. The Peakify iPhone app can plan the route and export a GPX (Peakify Pro).