Introduction
Arrochar has some classic mountains easily accessible from the central belt of Scotland. The mountains around here are collectively termed as the 'Arrochar Alps'. This is probably an appropriate description for many features on these mountains do appear alpine.

The view of Loch Long from the Youth Hostel Common Room

The main Arrochar Alps seen from Beinn an Lochain

The Cobbler
The most famous mountain of them all is the Cobbler. It has three summits rising in grand fashion when seen from the east. Only one of these peaks can be reached without a problem, the other two require a head for heights and require some exposed scrambling to get to these summits. You can, however, admire them from a short distance away as it's only the last few meters that demand climbing.

The Cobbler seen from Beinn Narnain

The summit of the Cobbler

Profile of the Cobbler's western and
central tops seen from the eastern top

The best approach to the Cobbler is from the Narnain Boulders to the east. These boulders lie on the main path rising up the glen between Beinn Narnain and the Cobbler and are about the size of small houses. Shortly after here, the path crosses the burn and heads up steeply to the east of the corrie floor into the jaws of the Cobbler itself. This leads over scree onto the bealach between the eastern and main tops of the Cobbler.

The eastern top has quite a substantial overhang but is the only "pedestrian" summit where access can be gained from the back via some slabby rock. The principle central top looks attainable from a distance but upon close inspection is an exposed five meter grade 1 summer scramble (grade 2 winter climb). The route to it's top is via a hole going though the summit pillar before walking along an exposed ledge where you then climb on to the ridge and then to the summit. Despite the exposure, it is quite easy. The western top requires a grade 3 summer scramble to reach its summit.

Another route to the summits takes the northern ridge from the Beinn Narnain/Ime bealach. This has an easy paved path working its way upto the bealach between the central and eastern tops.

Beinn Narnain, Beinn Ime, Ben Vane & Ben Vorlich
Beinn Narnain, Beinn Ime and Ben Vane are less spectacular than the Cobbler but still provide good short walks. Being higher than the Cobbler, they afford better views to the north into the Central Highlands. The munros are all quite knobbly but there are a few highlights on each route. The munros of Narnain, Ime and Vane are a good walk to do all in one day. Only the keenest will add Vorlich to their one day round.

Beinn Ime seen from the slopes of Beinn Narnain

The final steep slopes of Beinn Narnain seen from Cruach nam Miseag

Beinn Narnain seen from Beinn Ime

The best route to Beinn Narnain is from the south. The lower slopes from the Forestry Commision car park are a bit of a slog. You finally emerge onto a knobbly ridge that includes various optional scrambles. Eventually you arrive on to a subsidiary top - "Cruach nam Miseag" where the highlight of the route, Spearhead Buttress, looms into view. Little scrambling is needed but steep drops await those who slip. A few scrambles could be had here along with some single pitch rock climbs.

The Spearhead buttress of Beinn Narnain

A' Chrios seen from Lag Uaine

Joined with Narnain is the side top of A' Chrios. It's linked by quite a knobbly ridge and the summit itself has a small plateau just south west of its top. It's protected on the north side by some steep broken slopes but direct access can be had from the south on grassy slopes.

The east ridge of Beinn Ime is apparently by far the best route to its top and although the I haven't ascended it. I have, however been told that it involves some scrambling. If you try and tackle two or more of these peaks then you are in for a long walk, otherwise these summits can be all ascended in no hurry assuming easy mountain conditions. Most people ascend Beinn Ime from the south from the Narnain/Ime Bealach. This route is a long slog up uniform grass slopes, boggy at times, to the south top where the ridge becomes more defined. The north ridge from Ben Ime is a steep descent down to Glas Bhealach where grassy slopes can be taken westwards down to the road by Kinglas Water. This route is seldom used.

The north ridge of Beinn Ime

Ben Vane seen from the west

Ben Vane is one that I have only done from the remote western direction. It's a useful direction to come from after doing Beinn Ime. The ridge is very broad, and in the mist the numerous outcrops and undulations can cause confusion. The eastern ascent is steeper, and my only experience of this route was a baulked attempt at it in whiteout conditions. The route is certainly steep, and unrelenting.

Beinn an Lochain
The mountains above have tended to be the most popular but another gem of a mountain that is often overlooked is Beinn an Lochain. This mountain has a very fine north east ridge that includes a traverse of steep crags (via a well worn path) and a fine optional scramble near the top. I would certainly recommend this one for it's pitched at just the right level for those who like some mild adventure on the mountains.

The view down the north east ridge of Beinn an Lochain

The western top of Beinn an Lochain

Beinn Luibhean (west) and Beinn an Lochain seen from Beinn Chorranach

Beinn Bhuidhe
Beinn Bhuidie is located further north beyond the "Rest and be Thankful" pass at the end of Glen Fyne. Glen Fyne extends landwards from Loch Fyne - another sea loch similar to Loch Long. This mountain tends to be quieter than the Arrochar Alps. This partly is because the Glen has a private road and so you have to walk 5km in from the main road before you start climbing the mountain.

Loch Fyne seen from Beinn Chas

The summit ridge of Beinn Bhuidhe

Ben Lui seen from Beinn Bhuidhe

Beinn Bhuidhe rises up in isolation from the surrounding moorland and has an impressive south facing craggy slope. One recommended route is to strike north from the head of Loch Fyne up steep slopes to the moors above ultimately reaching Beinn Chas at 680m. The route is seldom used, and there is no path, however it does offer an interesting variation on a simple return trip up Glen Fyne. The progress is tough through bracken to begin with but this eases to shorter grass above 400m. Beyond Beinn Chas, an undulating ridge is taken down to a hummocky saddle before a steady pull upto the base cliffs of Beinn Bhuidie. The ascents to the summit ridge appear steep, but further east there lie some easier lines of ascent. The summit ridge itself is quite pronounced but nowhere scrambly, however the path does pass close to the south crags and this does provide a little exposure.

Beinn Bhuidie seen Beinn Chas

Waterfall in steep valley

Looking north up upper Glen Fyne

The descent from the summit ridge straight down into Glen Fyne is steep. Initially easy grass slopes are tackled but then you reach the lip of a deep valley. From here it is best to stick to the path down to the stream lower down. The descent is muddy, but you are often able to find firmer ground a little distance from the path. Once down in the steep valley, the stream enters a ravine with the path just above it. Some sections are badly eroded and one point requires an exposed scramble to negotiate. It is a place that demands care. Once down into Glen Fyne you are greeted with the boarded up cottage of Inverchorachan and from here, the walk out is along a track to begin with later improving into a road. The scenery down in Glen Fyne is very pleasant.

Those of you who prefer easier walking will find extensive forest walks to do in the vicinity. In addition to this it may be worth trying some easy walks up some of the glens. Kinglas Water is just one example worth trying.

The Luss & Tarbet hills seen from the north

The Brack seen from Beinn Narnain

Looking up Glen Kinglas