A hike to the
Cobbler
(884 meters) is one of the most popular of the shorter and easier routes in the
Southern Highlands. It is a very pleasant mostly gravel path without any
bogginess (in reasonable weather). It also has a pretty constant ascent grade
making it suitable for a brutal workout, especially if somebody has only
4 hours to complete the hike before the train back.
The
official route guide
recommends taking the more gradual path up and the "scramble one" down. I
would argue that the opposite direction is more logical, as it is easier to
climb the rocks on the way up than on the way down. It will also be a bit
faster.
There are two options on how to get there by public transport from Glasgow -
either by
bus 926
to Arrochar (book at least 2 days in advance as this tends to get sold out),
or by a
train to Arrochar & Tarbet, which can also get very packed. Both routes
take almost the same time, but keep in mind that the train station is about 2
km further away from the start of the hike than the bus stop.