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Special weather demands special mountains. With MWIS not even bothering to put a percentage up just a statement that summits would be clear, it was time to head to Glencoe and take on the beast, Bidean nam Bian.
Setting off at 8am, it was chilly in the glen but the sun was on its way already coating the top of nearby peaks. The sisters of Glencoe looking particularly striking.
The path up was good and we soon warmed up, stopping occasionally to look at the Aonach Eagach ridge towering up behind us.
The waterfalls alongside the path were just beautiful and the pools they emptied into were tempting even on a cold October morning
Soon the peaks ahead came into view and the pointy top of Stob Coire nan Lochan. Arriving under its buttresses was jaw dropping and we stopped here for a while to admire our surroundings. The view behind us was just as spectacular as we could now see over the AE ridge to the mamores.
AE ridge with Nevis and CMD to the left, a snow capped Aonach Mor and Beag with the Ring of Steall on the far right
After this stop we headed right and began to make our way up the flank of Stob Coire nan Lochan. The Beinn a'Bheithir ridge and Loch Leven looking spectacular in the morning sun.
Time to ascend the boulder strewn Stob Coire nan Lochan. This was quite a challenge as many of the rocks were ice covered and loose underfoot. Coupled with the sun shining right in our eyes we had to inch our way up, the route finding is quite a challenge, particularly half blind
We passed some amazing gullies and it was difficult to keep our minds on our footing with such amazing drop and views to both sides.
We ended up traversing round the peak rather than going over the top. Part the way along, as either leg is stretched over a protruding rock with the abyss below me, i'm thinking to myself I don't remember reading anything about a prolonged exposed scramble
Whoops. Best to stick to the route over the summit next time. This picture shows the route we took. Not advisable
With some relief we reached the bealach between here and Bidean only for me to look down and see my gps that was hooked on to my bag belt was missing
Having done this 2 weeks ago on An Stuc I should have known better. Looking back I had to have a quick look and see if I could see it but didn't want to put either myself or Balgonie at risk by scrambling back over the icy rocks. It could be anywhere along the route or even 3000 ft below. Shuffling partly back along the way with no sign of it I was about to give it up when something compelled me to take two more steps. There it was lying between two boulders
Overjoyed, I grabbed it and headed back to the bealach. Time to purchase a carabiner to attach it to my rucksack.
Next eyes were on the intimidating looking climb up to Bidean nam Bian. It looked very steep but actually was a great fun ascent. The views going up were none to shabby either.
It was great to reach the top - a celebration too, this was Balgonie's 100th munro. Well done mate, great effort
A good rest here for lunch and a chance to soak up the views. Anywhere better to be on a Friday lunchtime? Can't be many.
It was then time to head on to the second munro, Stob Coire Sgreamhach.
Below was the lost valley which I was looking forward to descending into.
Looking back at the descent off Bidean
It was a short climb to the top and the view along the Beinn Fhada ridge was superb.
All good things must come to an end however, but to compensate for the very steep descent we went down into the beautiful Lost Valley. It's only when you get down there you realise how hidden it is from the main glen. Lots of geological interest and beautiful waterfalls.
It felt like a long trek out but it had been a truly spectacular day and I was sorry it was over. A final look back at the three sisters of glencoe and it was time to head home.
A day that will live long in the memory
