The Cobbler

Hiker with backpack and trekking poles walking along a grassy trail mountain in the background on a sunny day with blue sky and clouds.

The Cobbler, or Ben Arthur, stands at 884 meters (2,900 feet) in the Arrochar Alps of the Southern Highlands. Despite its height falling just short of Munro status, it is renowned for its distinctive silhouette and challenging terrain.

The Cobbler an excellent choice for a shorter day trip, ideal for those with a busy itinerary who still want a rewarding mountain experience.

The Cobbler's rugged features are primarily composed of mica-schist, a type of metamorphic rock known for its layered and shiny appearance. These formations are a result of large-scale land sliding, rather than glacial erosion, which has shaped the mountain's distinctive profile.

There are a couple of route options depending on group fitness and conditions. We can take the steeper path between the central and north peaks, which offers rocky sections and a more challenging ascent, or ascend via the broad north ridge, a longer but gentler route. For quicker or more experienced groups, there is the option to extend the day to include Ben Narnain, adding another rewarding summit with Munro status.

Distance: 11km

Elevation Gain: 920m

Duration: 4-6 hours

We offer this adventure as a private guided trip for groups of up to 8 people, tailored to your pace and interests. Alternatively, you can join one of our open group trips, which run every month and are a great way to share the experience with others.

Book onto one of our open group trips here:

Group

Book a private trip for yourself or your group here:

Private

  • We offer two ways to join this adventure:

    1. Private Guided Day
    Hire us for a day tailored to you and your group. We can take up to 8 people, with prices based on group size:

    • 1 person – £100 total

    • 2 people – £60 per person / £120 total

    • 3 people – £50 per person / £150 total

    • 4 people – £40 per person / £160 total

    • 5–8 people – £35 per person

    2. Monthly Open Group Trip
    Each month we run a set trip that anyone can book onto. This is a great option for solo adventurers or small groups happy to join others.

    • £35 per person

    • Minimum of 4 people required for the trip to run (if fewer than 4 book, we’ll reschedule or refund).

    • Pre-trip planning and kit list guidance

    • Safety briefing before we set off

    • Qualified and experienced Mountain Leader

    • Photos from the day to remember your trip

    Please note: You’ll need to arrange your own accommodation, lunch, personal kit, and insurance

  • The weather in the Scottish mountains can change quickly, with rain, wind, and even freezing temperatures possible at any time of year. To stay safe and comfortable, please ensure you bring the following:

    To wear:

    • Thermal base layer top – polyester or wool (avoid cotton)

    • Warm mid layer

    • Walking trousers (no cotton trousers eg. jeans)

    • Spare mid- layer or synthetic insulating layer

    • Waterproof jacket and trousers

    • Warm hat and gloves (spare gloves recommended)

    • Skipped hat / sun hat

    • Walking boots with ankle support

    Other equipment:

    • Rucksack (around 25-30 litres)

    • Lunch, snacks and spare food

    • At least 1 litre of water or a flask

    • Whistle

    • Walking poles (recommended but not essential)

    • Sunglasses and sun cream

    • Mobile phone in a waterproof case(or sandwich bag)

    • Personal first aid kit (plasters, blister kit, and any medication you normally carry, e.g. inhaler)