The mountains located to the north and to the west of Arrochar are some of the most well known and frequented peaks in the Southern Highlands of Scotland. The main peaks of this range are Beinn Narnain, Ben Vane, Beinn Ime, Ben Vorlich and The Cobbler. These five main peaks gave rise to the early development of climbing in Scotland. Originally known as 'The Arrochar Group' or 'The Arrochar Mountains' in the latter 1800's and early 1900's the term 'Arrochar Alps' was only first introduced by the author and climber Ben Humble in 1946.

Of the five main peaks, The Cobbler, undoubtedly is the biggest attraction to the climber(although not in size) . The extraordinary jagged outline of the three rocky peaks, clearly visible from Arrochar itself, has made the Arrochar Alps the focal point of climbing in the Southern Highlands since the first explorations took place in the late 1800's.

In these early days, when there was no cars, Arrochar was easily accessable for the early visitor as it had a train station on the West Highland Railway line.

The Arrochar Alps are enclosed by Loch Lomond to the east, Glen Croe and Loch Long to the south, Glen Kinglass on the west and Strath Duibh-uisge to the north.

As the weather in Scotland is generally a bit on the wet side, care should be taken when in the Arrochar Alps in this kind of weather as the rock is mainly made up of mica-schist with a coating of lime. This is seriously slippy stuff when wet!

Although not generally noted for its winter climbing, the right conditions can provide excellent snow and ice routes. Unfortunately these conditions do not last long due to the modest height of these peaks. Throw in the proximity to the west coast and you usually don't get prolonged winter conditions compared to other locations in Scotland.

Lying deep in the glen between Ben Vane and Ben Vorlich is the Loch Sloy reservoir. Fed by many of the mountain streams this reservoir feeds the generating station at Inveruglas on the banks of Loch Lomond.

The Peaks

Peak

Translation

Height

Grid Ref

The Cobbler

None

884m

NN259059

Beinn Ime

Butter Hill

1011m

NN255085

Beinn Narnain

None

926m

NN272067

Ben Vane

Middle Hill

915m

NN278098

Ben Vorlich

Hill of the Bay

943m

NN295124

A'Chrois

The Cross

849m

NN289078

Beinn Luibhean

Hill of the Little Plant

858m

NN243079

Stob Coire Creagach

Peak of the Craggy Coire

817m

NN231109

Beinn an Lochain

Hill of the Little Loch

901m

NN218079

Getting There

From Glasgow take the A82 road via Loch Lomond until reaching Tarbet. Continue along the A82 (this road goes right at Tarbet) for Inveruglas and Ardlui. For Arrochar and Glen Douglas continue straight on at Tarbet (this is the A83 road).

Red Tape

There is no red tape as all Scottish peaks have full access to the hillwalker/climber.

Accommodation

There is the Tarbet hotel in Tarbet and various guest houses in Arrochar.
Campsites are available on route, with one also at the bottom of the Rest and Be Thankful at Ardgarten.

Books and Maps

Landranger Map 56.
OS Map Explorer 364.
Harvey Superwalker Map: Arrochar Alps.

The Munros by Cameron McNeish.
The Scottish Peaks by W.A. Poucher.
The Corbetts and Other Scottish Hills by Scott Johnstone, Hamish Brown & Donald Bennet.
The Southern Highlands by D.J.Bennet.
Climbers guide to Arran, Arrochar and the Southern Highlands by K.V. Crocket & A. Walker.

Deer Stalking Information

Deer stalking takes place in Scotland mainly between the months of August and October, although this can continue through the remainder of the year.

Information on this can be found at Hill Phones

The main stalking dates for GlenFyne/Glen Falloch: Mid August until mid October. Telephone: Cairndow (01499) 600137 for a regularly updated recorded message on stalking activities.

Weather Conditions

The Arrochar Alps are fully accessible throughout the entire year however, the weather conditions in Scotland can change rapidly so care should be taken at all times.

Mountain forecast
Avalanche forecast

Images



[ View Gallery - 73 More Images ]