Billygoats Does Bidean :)

[JimboJim]

Was a bit surprised, but more than delighted, when I got a call from Billy, up for a walk, as he has been out of commission for a while now. Old age doesn't come along by itself as they say, William but why not go for a biggy, if you're going to go for one at all Bidean certainly comes into that category, ranking No.23 of our highest hills and a fairly steep 23, at that! Anyway, I was not for trying to question the wisdom of his ways, so Bidean it was, as per WH route, anticlockwise. Weather just about looking ok.

Steep up between Gear Aonach and Aonach Dubh, to Stob Coire nan Lochan.

Up to the waterfall at the 'box canyon.'

Back down to the car park.

Stob Coire nan Lochan and pinnacles. So far, so good?

Looking down towards Clachaig Inn and Glencoe.

Time for a breather on one of the pinnacles! Don't be deceived by the look of pain. He's lovin' it!

And the view down.

Ssshhh! (Taking a shortcut round SCnL).

Out to the Ballachulish Bridge.

Bidean awaits somewhere in there. Better have a brew first!

Headless man makes it to the top of Bidean, 1150m! Well, I did say you were off your head!

Justifiably chuffed to make it to the top, having long had a yearning to make the summit of the highest mountain in the old county of Argyll. Who allowed these bounders shift the boundary southwards, letting Highlands nick our mountains?

Back over to SCnL.

And the view east to Stob Coire Sgreamhach, 1072m.

And some great munro's out there to the east! Stob Coire Sgreamhach, Stob Dubh, Stob Coire Raineach, Stob Dearg, Stob na Brioge, Creise and Meall a'Bhuiridh.

The way down. Bealach Dearg, or should that be donn?! (Someone will explain:) )

Nearly number 2 in the bag!

Pain, exhaustion, exhiliration, determination and satisfaction all in one face!

Well done.... or, totally done!?

And yer sidekick, too!

South to Loch Etive, perhaps just a sliver of Loch Awe further behind?

And the magnificent Lost valley.

Some Dutch lads lead the way.

Told you I would make you famous!

Billy's turn.

And, that was that. Just short of the 8 hours. Not too shabby for tackling these hills 'raw.' Can't wait to see what trivial route you pick next time

[JimboJim]

And just a few other pics.

[PerthAlly]

Cracking report Jim

Super peaks to climb esp the long hike back to the car!

[Acpark74]

Hi i spoke to you on that walk. I was the chap in the red coat in your pics on the way back down into the lost valley.
"The lemming" as i remember saying.
It was a great day although i did my knee coming down the descent.!!!
Mind you i managed the AE the next day

A great report!

Alex

[jamesb63]

Very nice pics Without doubt these are my favourite hills
whenever I drive through Glencoe I always look up to SCL and admire the view

[Sunset tripper]

Good stuff and great photos. And for me the boundary between Argyll and Inverness-shire will always be the Ballachulish crossing and Bidean will always be the highest point in Argyll. At the Cruachan Dam they are claiming Ben Cruachan to be the highest point in Argyll
I was up on Bidean nam Bian earlier this year, a fantastic place, but I don't think I would go back if I had met a headless man.

[katyhills]

Terrific report and some lovely photos. It's some walk isn't it?
You got some great views. The lost valley ones, in particular, are superb.
I didn't see an awful lot at the summit as it was quite misty, but it doesn't stop Bidean being my favourite of all the hills I've done. It's a real sense of achievement.