The Cobbler North Peak

About The Cobbler North Peak

Towering above Arrochar, this jagged northern shoulder of Ben Arthur offers an alpine character that belies its modest height. It provides a grandstand view of the mountain’s famous rock features and a clear line of sight across the deep glen to the neighbouring Munro, Beinn Narnain.

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Did You Know?

• •The mountain’s primary name, Beinn Artair, is Gaelic for 'Arthur’s Hill', though the English nickname 'The Cobbler' has become the standard. The name refers to the distinctive skyline which, when viewed from the head of Loch Long, supposedly resembles a shoemaker leaning over his workbench.
• •The North Peak sits at 870m, making it slightly lower than the central summit. It is an excellent vantage point for watching more daring visitors attempt to 'thread the needle' on the main peak, a move that requires crawling through a rock window and scrambling onto a narrow, exposed ledge.
• •This cluster of peaks served as a vital training ground for the legendary Glasgow climbing clubs of the early 20th century. While the South Peak remains the preserve of rock climbers, the North Peak is accessible to sure-footed hillwalkers via a steep but manageable scramble from the central col.
• •From the summit, the view extends down the full length of Loch Long towards the Firth of Clyde, while to the east, the sprawling mass of Ben Lomond is clearly visible across the northern reaches of Loch Lomond.
• •It is a quirk of Scottish geography that despite being the most iconic silhouette in the Southern Highlands, the mountain fails to reach the 3,000ft threshold for Munro status by a frustrating 91 feet.