Ben Arthur Mountain
Distinctive Scottish peak famed for rocky summit ridge
A sharp, pinnacled peak in the Arrochar Alps, Ben Arthur-"The Cobbler"-draws hillwalkers and scramblers for its ridges, summit pinnacles and views over Loch Lomond and surrounding glens.
Ben Arthur at a Glance#
About Ben Arthur#
Ben Arthur, commonly called The Cobbler, is a mountain in the Arrochar Alps of western Scotland notable for its distinctive craggy summit. It is a well-known hillwalking and scrambling objective in the region.
The summit has a characteristic profile formed by three rocks and offers extensive views across Loch Long, Loch Long’s headlands, and surrounding peaks; ascents typically include sections of easy rock scrambling near the top. Many walkers approach from the village of Arrochar and nearby car parks along Glencroe.
The mountain has long been part of local hillwalking traditions and is a frequent target for recreational climbers and hikers. Its rocky crown and routes have made it a classic short mountaineering objective in the Southern Highlands.
Ben Arthur lies on the west side of the Highlands near Loch Long and the village of Arrochar, within the council area of Argyll and Bute. The nearest sizeable urban centre is Glasgow to the south, reachable by road in under two hours.
- Local name: The mountain is locally known as The Cobbler because of its distinctive trio of rocky summits and crags that resemble a cobbler at work.
- Route notes: Popular ascent routes start from the village of Arrochar and involve scrambling on exposed rock near the summit, so suitable footwear and sure-footedness are required.
How to Get to Ben Arthur#
Common approaches start from the A817 or nearby Loch Long car parks; the main trailheads are accessed from the western side near Arrochar. The West Highland Line’s Arrochar & Tarbet station is the nearest rail link; a short taxi or 30-45 minute walk brings visitors to the trailheads.
Tips for Visiting Ben Arthur#
- The classic route starts from the Loch Lomond & Trossachs area-use the car park at the Allt a' Bhealaidh side and follow Inveruglas/Arranmore access tracks depending on approach.
- Stretches of path are steep, narrow and require scrambling; be confident with exposure and route-finding on wet rock.
- Avoid winter attempts without winter mountaineering experience due to avalanche and cornice risk; in snow conditions, use crampons and ice axe.
Best Time to Visit Ben Arthur#
Summer months are best for non-technical ascents; winter requires full alpine kit and experience.
Weather & Climate near Ben Arthur#
Ben Arthur's climate is classified as Subpolar Oceanic - Subpolar Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -1°C to 14°C. Heavy rainfall (2781 mm/year), wettest in January.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -1° - 3° | -7° | 348 mm | overcast | 93% | 13.3 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.4h |
| February | Poor | -1° - 3° | -7° | 226 mm | overcast | 92% | 12.8 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.3h |
| March | Poor | -1° - 4° | -6° | 260 mm | overcast | 90% | 11.6 m/s | 0.3 low | 11.7h |
| April | Poor | 1° - 7° | -2° | 150 mm | overcast | 87% | 9.5 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 14.0h |
| May | Poor | 3° - 10° | 2° | 144 mm | overcast | 84% | 8.6 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 16.2h |
| June | Poor | 6° - 12° | 5° | 137 mm | overcast | 85% | 8.3 m/s | 1.1 high | 17.3h |
| July | Poor | 8° - 14° | 11° | 155 mm | overcast | 86% | 7.9 m/s | 1.0 high | 16.8h |
| August | Poor | 8° - 14° | 11° | 184 mm | overcast | 87% | 8.1 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 14.9h |
| September | Poor | 6° - 11° | 5° | 258 mm | overcast | 89% | 9.5 m/s | 0.5 low | 12.6h |
| October | Poor | 4° - 8° | 0° | 301 mm | overcast | 91% | 11.1 m/s | 0.2 low | 10.2h |
| November | Poor | 1° - 5° | -4° | 303 mm | overcast | 92% | 12.4 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.0h |
| December | Poor | -1° - 3° | -6° | 315 mm | overcast | 93% | 11.9 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.7h |
