Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
1
CLIMBING THE COBBLER
The jagged, triple-peaked ridge of Ben Arthur (2891ft) - better known as The Cobbler
because of its resemblance to a cobbler bent over his work - is the most enticing of the peaks
within the Argyll Forest Park. It's surprisingly accessible, with the most popular route starting
from the car park at Succoth, on the road to Ardgartan. Skirting the woods, you join the Allt
a' Bhalachain, which climbs steeply up to the col between the northern peak (known as The
Cobbler's Wife) and The Cobbler itself. Traversing the ridge in order to ascend one or all of
the three peaks is a tricky business, and the final scramble should only be attempted by
experienced hikers. The total distance of the climb is only five miles, but the return trip will
probably take you between five and six hours.
Arrochar and around
Approaching by road from Glasgow, the entry point to Cowal is Arrochar , at the head
of Loch Long. The village itself is ordinary enough, but the area has the peninsula's
most grandiose scenery, including the ambitiously named Arrochar Alps , whose peaks
offer some of the best climbing in Argyll: Ben Ime (3318ft) is the tallest of the range,
while Ben Arthur or “The Cobbler” (2891ft), named after the anvil-like rock formation
at its summit, is the most distinctive (see box, p.55).
Heading west from Arrochar, you climb Glen Croe , a strategic hill-pass whose saddle
is called - for obvious reasons - Rest-and-be-Thankful . Here the road forks, with the
single-track B828 heading down to Lochgoilhead , an isolated village overlooking Loch
Goil. A road tracks the west side of the loch, petering out after five miles at the
picturesque ruins of Carrick Castle , a classic tower-house castle built around 1400 and
used as a hunting lodge by James IV. Facing this across the water is a hilly peninsula
known as Argyll's Bowling Green - no ironic nickname, but an English corruption of
the Gaelic Baile na Greine (Sunny Hamlet).
Ardkinglas Woodland Garden and House
Just off the A83, behind the village of Cairndow • Daily dawn-dusk; Ardkinglas House visits by guided tour only, April-Oct Fri at 2pm •
£4.50; Ardkinglas House £7 • T 01499 600261, W ardkinglas.com
The wonderful Ardkinglas Woodland Garden contains exotic rhododendrons, azaleas,
hydrangeas and a superb collection of conifers, including five so-called Champion Trees
- those deemed to be the tallest or broadest examples of their kind within Britain.
Indeed, the garden is home to what is still the tallest tree in the British Isles, a Grand
Fir introduced by David Douglas in 1830 and now standing at a mighty 210ft. Look
out, too, for the magnificent Silver Fir (159ft), typically found in Central Europe. Pick
up a Woodland Garden Map at the entrance to guide you around. In the southern part
of the gardens stands Ardkinglas House , a particularly handsome Scottish Baronial
mansion, built in 1907 by Robert Lorimer for the Noble family.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
ARROCHAR AND AROUND
By train Arrochar & Tarbet train station is a mile or so east
of Arrochar, just off the A83 to Tarbet.
Destinations Glasgow (Mon-Sat 4-5 daily, Sun 3 daily;
1hr 15min).
By bus Buses stop just on the A814 near Church Rd in
Arrochar.
Destinations Glasgow (6 daily; 1hr 10min); Inveraray (6
daily; 35min).
ACCOMMODATION AND EATING
Ben Bheula Succoth T 01301 702184, W benbheula
.co.uk. Set back from the head of the loch, in nearby
Succoth, this cl ean, three-bedroom B&B is run by a very
friendly couple. £55
Fascadail
W fascadail.com. A Victorian guesthouse set within its
own grounds in the quieter southern part of the village,
with five colourfully furnished and superbly equipped
rooms. Enjoy breakfast i n th e dining room with glorious
views across the garden. £75
Church Rd, Arrochar
T 01301 702344,
 
Search WWH ::




Custom Search