Start your hillwalk up The Arrochar Alps

The mountains clustered around the head of Loch Long are known as The Arrochar Alps and are renowned amongst Glasgow hillwalkers. The car park here is the starting point for long, tough walks that climb through the forest up to the triple fangs of The Cobbler or to the Munro tops of Beinn Narnain and Beinn Ime.

Relative to those climbs, the waymarked trail around Glen Loin is a straightforward stroll along wide paths and forest tracks. However, at 11 miles it's still a long day out, although you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.

Activities

Hillwalking

The most popular hill in the area is The Cobbler (or Ben Arthur), with its distinctive rocky summit that’s supposed to look like a cobbler hammering at a shoe. Beinn Narnain, just next door, is a Munro (one of Scotland’s mountains over 3,000 feet). It can be linked up with an even more distant Munro, Beinn Ime, for a truly epic high hillwalk. Find details of the routes at WalkHighlands:

• The Cobbler
• Beinn Narnain and Beinn Ime

These walks are unmarked and cover a mix of steep, rocky and open ground. They should be attempted by experienced hillwalkers only.

A walk through Glen Loin

Another popular walk from Arrochar is the 11 mile loop through Glen Loin. It's a straightforward if long and remote route, so do come prepared with food, drink and clothing for all weathers:

• Glen Loin and Coiregrograin

Facilities & access

Parking (charge)

The nearest public toilets, shops and cafés are in Arrochar village on the other side of the loch.

Getting here

There are two council run car parks on the south side of the A83 as it curves around the head of Loch Long near Arrochar village. The one to the west provides easier access to the wood, although both car parks are connected by a footpath which stays away from the main road.

Using SatNav?

G83 7AP is the nearest postcode.

Public transport

Buses heading from Glasgow to Inveraray and beyond stop in Arrochar village. Arrochar & Tarbet train station is a pleasant 1½ mile walk along a forest path from the car park. Plan your journey at Traveline Scotland.

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