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By S Thomson

The Arrochar Alps are just an hour’s drive from Glasgow. Hardly the height of the Alps, but they can present a formidable challenge to even the most experienced walker of climber. Whether you’re tackling a rock face on The Cobbler (also known as Ben Arthur, 884m / 2,900ft), or a tough winter’s day over Beinn Narnain (926m / 3,040ft), Beinn Ime (1,011m / 3,317ft) and Ben Vane (915m / 3,002ft), you will find a great day out on these fun and varied summits. For information about Arrochar, the village from which these hills take their name.

The group contains three Munros, with a fourth Munro – Ben Vorlich (943m / 3,093ft) – just on the other side of the Loch Sloy reservoir, but the most well known of the peaks is The Cobbler. The mountain takes its name from its distinctive shape, said to look like a cobbler leaning over his last, and the summit is a rock pinnacle jutting into the sky. If you are climbing up to the final summit, great care must be taken, particularly in winter, when crampons are an absolute must, and a rope would be a very good idea: it involves a clamber through a hole in the summit pinnacle, called the “Window to Argyll”, with a very exposed scramble up on top of the summit pinnacle itself. The views are very rewarding in clear weather, with panoramas stretching as far as the islands of Arran and Jura, not to mention great views over Loch Lomond and Loch Long.

The Cobbler can be climbed on its own, or for a longer day out, combine it with the nearby Munros of Beinn Narnain and Beinn Ime. Beinn Ime is most interestingly climbed from Butterbridge, and Beinn Narnain most interestingly climbed directly from the head of Loch Long; but the easiest route is from the three-way bealach between The Cobbler, Beinn Narnain and Beinn Ime. The slopes of Beinn Ime can be particularly wet, so gaiters might be a good idea dependent on how wet the weather has been. Beinn Ime can also be climbed from the Rest and Be Thankful car park on the A83 road, or from the Loch Sloy access road coming up from Loch Lomond.

In the glen between The Cobbler and Beinn Narnain, you will come across two giant boulders which have broken away from Beinn Narnain and rolled down into the glen. Known as the “Narnain Boulders”, you would not have wanted to get in the way of these monsters crashing down the mountainside! This makes a great place to stop for a break on your way up or down.

Ben Vane is usually climbed from just below Loch Sloy reservoir, and is one of the smallest Munros. Ben Vorlich can be climbed from below the Loch Sloy reservoir at Inveruglas, or from Ardlui, on the shores of Loch Lomond. The area also boasts some good Corbetts, including Beinn Luibhean.

Arrochar itself is well placed to take on other Munros in the area, including Beinn Chabhair, An Caisteal, Beinn a’Chroin, Cruach Ardrain, Beinn Tulaichean, Ben More and Stob Binnein. Beinn Bhuidhe is also not far from Arrochar, just a short drive away.

Remember to be properly prepared when taking on any of these mountains – safety is paramount. Do not let the height of these mountains in deceive you; the weather can change very suddenly, and too many people have lost their lives through complacency or being ill-prepared. Make sure you climb in sturdy walking boots, and have waterproofs, emergency supplies, a map, compass, and know how to use them. You should also take sufficient food and water and emergency medical supplies. Always check the mountain weather forecast before you set out, and at the relevant times of year, you should also check the avalanche forecast. Be safe and enjoy these wonderful mountains; you will find a very rewarding day out in the Arrochar Alps!

For further information, see http://www.arrochar.org.uk

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