Monday, 2nd. April, 1984:
This was the second day of a trip up to Glencoe to teach winter skills to sixth form students from Surrey and, having had a good introduction to the basics on the Buchaille on the Sunday, my good friend Jon and I decided that the best of the students could be turned loose on Stob Coire nan Lochan's easier gullies. Rather than flog up the direct route from the Coe, however, we went for a more interesting approach via the Lost Valley and, after a very early start and kicking endless steps on a rising traverse onto the southern end of Gearr Aonach, we arrived in the corrie before 9.00.am. to find the gullies in excellent condition. Using Broad Gully as a descent route, we took in Boomerang, Left Fork and NC Gully before Jon and I finished with SC Gully. Then, with the weather set fair and plenty of time before sunset, we decided to push on and take in Bidean as well - a good decision! Despite subsequent winter ascents of Bidean, however, the top listed as "Beinn Fhada St. Coire Sgriodain" in my 1974 tables was upgraded to full Munro status in 1997 (as Stob Coire Sgreamhach) and so, at the time of writing in 2017, this great looking peak still awaits an ascent. I look forward to getting back up there.
Warning
Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. Summer routes may not be viable or appropriate in winter. See winter information on our skills and safety pages for more information.