free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).
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