Bidean nam Bian and friends

[yokehead]

A return to a favourite part of the Scottish mountain world and the Bidean circuit, I was very much looking forward to this. I visited Bidean way back in 2009 on a snowy day when doing my winter skills course with Chaz, which I can vividly remember doing with him as if it were yesterday. However our ascent of Stob Coire nan Lochan was up the eastern side that day, and we didn't visit Stob Coire Sgreamhach, so there was new ground to cover today. I'd also made a separate trip climbing Broad Gully to SCNL when there was just enough snow left, and I find this area outstanding.

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We parked in the main car park and headed across the bridge and up the superb steep but enjoyable route into Coire nan Lochan with the high cliffs on both sides - terrific. It is a steady plod and actually doesn't take that long to get toward the high coire since the steep ascent also means that distance is short. About halfway up, what I remembered from a few years ago as a rock step that required a bit of scrambling seemed to be different, more extended and messier - perhaps there had been some rockfall here?

ascending Coire nan Lochan

Just below the final rise into the upper coire we headed west across the stream to the small plateau. It is not until over this rise that the full extent of the cliffs come into view. We continued, ascending gently, to gain the lower part of the north ridge of SCNL.

the rise to the plateau

getting onto the plateau, looking back to the Aonach Eagach

SCNL cliffs

The climb over rocky ground to SCNL is varied and interesting with route detail options and easy scrambling on offer. Stob Coire nam Beith looks fine and is another way I want to climb to Bidean on a future trip - there are so many possibilities here. Gaining height and now heading slightly east of south, the ridge we will take between SCNL and Bidean comes into view, the ascent to the latter looking steep. Up more stony ground, passing the top of Broad Gully, and we were at the SCNL summit cairn with its tremendous views in all directions. In my view this should be a separate Munro in its own right, the mountain and its approaches are just superb and worthy!

ridge to SCNL, Stob Coire nam Beith behind

getting higher and fun terrain ahead

Bidean and the ridge to it from SCNL left, Stob Coire nam Beith right

SCNL summit, ridge from Bidean to Stob Coire Sgreamhach behind

As we started to head down the ridge to Bidean we had a 5 minute snow shower which certainly added to the ambience of the day! Bidean summit was mist covered making the climb to come look even steeper, but it is no such thing and the way is enjoyable with another section of mild scrambling. As we neared the top, we were treated to the best terrain, sky, cloud and light quality combination of the day, superbly atmospheric and perfect for this great location.

Bidean out of the cloud now

snow shower

heading down to the col below Bidean

best photo conditions of the day

Bidean summit is at 1150m on the OS map. The altimeter on my watch said 1151m so that's not bad - but the time was 11:51 as well and I thought that was a brilliant coincidence!

1151m reached at 11:51!

Bidean summit

SCNL left and the Lost Valley

We headed off along the ridge southeast, again enjoyable, descending quite a bit to the bealach we'd descend from later. There is a final fairly steep climb to the summit of Stob Coire Sgreamhach where we took in the fabulous views once again before descending carefully back to the bealach.

looking along Beinn Fhada, another route to be done!

The gully at the top is steep and there was still some snow in it, but a careful shuffle between the snow and rock did the trick bringing us onto the scree slope below. Heading to the west as we descended took us to the top of a sketchy path which eased the going until we reached the better path lower down, 300m below the bealach, with the Lost Valley stretching ahead.

gully down from the bealach

Lost Valley

looking back to the improbable route from/to the bealach

nearing the flat valley floor

The interesting flat section of the valley is reached and we stopped near the end for a clamber on the large rocks before heading down the narrow path through a small woods and alongside a sheer drop to the stream - one of the most dangerous places should a slip happen on the walk I thought!

enjoyable boulders at the end of the valley just before descent

heading down through the woods

Only a short way to the car now, shame about the small ascent to the road when your legs are tired! Coachloads of folk milling about, most taking selfies with their heads taking up the majority of the picture and little of the view behind, what is the point of that? 'Here's a picture of my head with something behind, not sure but it might be Glencoe!'

A last look at the superb 3 sisters and our route, then a short trip to the Clachaig for another dose of haggis and beer! Farewell Bidean, I will be back.........

ascent route right, descent route left - fantastic!

zoom of atmospheric cliffs and snow still in Broad Gully