Ben Arthur by Arrocher – Watercolour in a Watercolour Moleskine
Ben Arthur is a mountain in the South West Highlands in the Loch Lomond National Park. It is known as “The Cobbler” as it resembles a shoemaker when viewed from below. Lots of people have attempted this climb as it is relatively easy except for the last 150 feet – the Cobbler’s head. To get to the top it is necessary to climb around this pinnacle, known as the eye, and traverse past an exposed drop. This is called “Threading the Needle” and can be nerve-racking, explaining why so many have “almost” climbed to the top. The hill, at 2946 feet, is just short of a “Munro” , mountains over 300 feet catalogued by Hugh Munro in the late 1800′s. Many of Scotland’s mountains are are named “Ben” which is an Anglicised corruption of the Gaelic “Beinn” which just means “Mountain”.
My two youngest sons, Andrew and Ewan climbed this last Friday. This scene depicts Andy standing on the summit. Ewan, prudently, stayed below to take the photograph. Andy seems to be squeezing as much of Scotland into his blood before he leaves to work in New Zealand in July. A week earlier he scaled Schiehallion (The fairy mountain) in the Perth and Kinross area. I suspect he has the New Zealand Alps in his sights.
roseindigo 11:30 am on May 29, 2009 | #
Those rocks actually have a “rocky” feel to them. Nice sketch!!!
Rudat 4:04 pm on May 29, 2009 | #
Your depiction of the greenery is wonderful. I don’t think I would be able to watch my child climb “The Cobbler”. Do they use climbing gear?
b.tee 6:54 pm on May 29, 2009 | #
Fantastic control of a tough medium. Nice work!
trebor61 4:33 am on May 30, 2009 | #
Susan, if you think the Cobbler is bad then look at the “Inaccessible Pinnacle” on the Isle of Skye:
http://www.hebrideanpathways.co.uk/photoGalleryPinnacles.html
I would not be human if I didn’t worry about my lads running around the Scottish Mountains but would be hypocritical to try to stand in their way as I’ve climbed lots of them, myself, in my earlier life. In order to appreciate our mountains it is necessary to be able to “scramble” on steep ground. This is the skill which separates the weekend “hillwalker” from the more serious adventurer. Scrambling means climbing on exposed or rough areas without the necessity of ropes, pitons etc. The top of the Cobbler is classed as a scramble although it can be dangerous when wet or under snow. Further degrees of difficulty, i.e. “Difficult”, “Severe”, “Very Severe” etc., require the use of climbing equipment and the “Pinnacle” comes into this category. Of course all who venture onto our hills must take proper footwear, warm clothes and extra food as well as maps and compasses as basic, sensible precautions as our weather is so unpredictable and can suddenly deteriorate. I’ve made sure my sons appreciate this and are trained in the use of survival equipment. If you visit Scotland I’ll point you in the direction of some of our more “serious” mountains which are world famous for their surrounding views.
Roseindigo and b.tee Glad you like my rocks. I have always found rocks, stones, walls etc very hard to paint so this has brightened my day. Thank you.