Walk Cobbler and Beinn Narnain, Arrochar, Argyll & Bute, Scotland

Very famous walk to the summit of the Cobbler passing by the summit of Beinn Narnain. A bit of scrambling to reach the top of Beinn Narnain.

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Arrochar

Beinn Narnain and the Cobbler walk Information:

  • Distance: 11km
  • Duration: 6h
  • Ascent: 1150m
  • Level: Hard
  • Car park: Arrochar, £1/hour
  • Dog friendly: Yes, fields with sheep and some scrambling sections that can be difficult for some dogs.
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on the way to Beinn Narnain

We used the bank holiday weekend, late August to spend a few days in the Loch Lomond area in Scotland. We planned to do two hikes and after talking with one of my colleagues who is passionate about walking, he recommended me to do this hike passing through the famous Cobbler summit. This mountain with a high of 884m is easily recognisable due to its three peaks with unusual shape. To add a little more difficulty to this hike we decided to start it by climbing Beinn Narnain which ends with an exciting scrambling to reach the summit at 926m. Then we left towards the Cobbler before descending tranquilly in the hollow of the valley. This hike can be easily divided in two if the whole is too hard. Indeed, it is possible to either do Beinn Narnain or do the Cobbler. The trails to reach the summits are well visible and well maintained and the one which passes in the middle of the valley is even bigger and pleasant because the slope is soft to go down towards the car park.

We started the hike in a cloudy weather then the fog and a little rain made their appearances the more we went up in the direction of Beinn Narnain. And it is unfortunately without seeing much that we reached the summit. Since it was cold, and we did not see anything we decided to go down to the valley to stop for lunch. As we descended the clouds cleared and it was under a beautiful sun that we reached the summit of the Cobbler and we finished the hike. The view above the Cobbler was absolutely splendid and reveals the beauty of the “Arrochar Alps” and the loch long. This place is quite touristy because it is a must in the area. Despite the people we loved these two mountains and even though this hike is quite hard it is so rewarding.

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Here are the key steps to do this hike:

  • From the car park, cross the national road and take the path opposite. Just after the gate turn right across the forest along the stream. This path is unfortunately not very visible and quite muddy. Continue straight until you reach a forest road.
  • Cross the road and take straight through the forest still following the traces of a stream. Little by little the path will become more and more visible. Once past the forest the trail will begin to wave on the side of the mountain. Continue on this path to the top.
  • Once on Beinn Narnain take the path that goes down to the middle of the valley. Once on the biggest path, turn left towards the Cobbler.
  • To go to the Cobbler, take the steep path on the right which goes up to the summit. At the top of the Cobbler go to see the three peaks and then down by the biggest trail that goes through the North Peak and towards the trail in the middle of the valley. Then follow this path to the car.
  • If you do not do the Cobbler follow this big path to the car park.

Do you know these two mountains?

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Loch Long
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Find all our adventures in Scotland on this page. To discover the Lake District National Park it is here.

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