Bidean nam Bian

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The highest mountain in the old county of Argyll, Bidean nam Bian is the whole majestic range of mountains on the south side of Glen Coe. It's dramatic northern ridges are known as the Three Sisters, whilst the highest summits of the group are hidden away behind.

Terrain

Steep, rocky and complex terrain. There are well-worn paths for much of the route (not to Stob Coire nan Lochan) but these are very rocky and there are sections of steep scree and very mild scrambling. The descent from Bealach Dearg is very steep and loose. It usually holds snow until well into summer, making it even more difficult - be prepared for this or save this route for when the snow is gone.

Public Transport

Glasgow - Fort William and Skye buses passes along the A82(T).

Start

Car park in Glen Coe. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

Park in the large car park half way up Glen Coe at NN170569; alternatively you can park in a smaller car park a couple of hundred metres further down the glen. The car park is often busy with coaches later in the day (and often has a bagpiper), so try to arrive fairly early. There is a fabulous view of the Three Sisters across the glen; the walk begins by climbing between Gear Aonach and Aonach Dubh. Begin by following the path down from the car park to the old track in the bottom of the glen; turn right along this track briefly and then left on the path heading down to the footbridge over the River Coe and up into Coire nan Lochan.

Stage 2

The excellent path climbs steadily up into Coire nan Lochan, keeping high on the left side of the valley. Much of the path surface has been improved by 'pitching' in recent years; only at one point where the path comes closer to the stream is there a rockier section requiring some simple scrambling. There are waterfalls down the valley floor and good views back down into Glen Coe, whilst the peak of Stob Coire nan Lochan is prominent ahead. Much higher up there is a waterfall in a small 'box canyon' and the path climbs rougher scree up to the left to exit from the Coire before scrambling up the east ridge of Stob Coire nan Lochan. A better route is to leave the path just below the box waterfall and cross the stream (traces of a path), climbing instead up grassy ground to the west and then southwest into the upper coire. The great Pinnacle and South Buttresses of Stob Coire nan Lochan tower above here. Head northwest to gain the foot of Stob Coire nan Lochan's north ridge.

Stage 3

Turn left up the ridge towards the summit. Although this ridge looked as jagged as a toast-rack from below, the buttresses projected out from the true ridge line and the ascent of the ridge is simply a walk on flat stones and gently sloping scree, with great views down the cliffs to the left. The top of Stob Coire nan Lochan is then reached; this peak is 1115 metres but its close connection to Bidean nam Bian means it doesn't qualify as a separate Munro. The lower section of the ridge leading up to Bidean looks intimidatingly steep from here but proves easier on close acquaintance Head down to the bealach between the peaks on gentle scree and then follow the path which keeps a little to the left on the steep section.

Stage 4

The summit of Bidean nam Bian is the highest in Argyll at 1150 metres. The view is superb in all directions, from Loch Etive in the southwest, passing round over a section of sea with Mull beyond, to Beinn a'Bheithir above Ballachulish and over the Aonach Eagach to Ben Nevis. The walk continues along the fine ridge which leads towards Bidean's second Munro of Stob Coire Sgreamhach.

Stage 5

The ridge has tremendous scenery all around and crosses a couple of minor summits as it descends to Bealach Dearg, with some great buttresses falling on the north side. There is a path throughout and no real difficulties. Beyond the bealach the ridge rises once more, with one steeper section of boulders to negotiate, before the summit of Stob Coire Sgreamhach is reached. At 1072 metres, this peak was promoted in 1997 to become Bidean nam Bian's second Munro summit. Again, the views are superb, especially over Buachaille Etive Beag and Buachaille Etive Mòr , and along the length of Loch Etive with Ben Starav towering above and Ben Cruachan beyond. Return to the Bealach Dearg.

Stage 6

Descend north from the bealach into Coire Gabhail - note that a large snow patch can cover this route even well into summer. The scree gully leading down is very eroded, but there is a 'path' of sorts which descends the broken rocks just to the right of the gully at first before crossing over and descending to the left of it; this avoids the worst of the loose scree. Further down the path has been much improved in recent years, and keeps to the left side of the coire, well above the stream which flows in a gorge. At the far end of the Coire is the flat area known as the 'Lost Valley'. This was used to hide rustled cattle by the Macdonald's of Glencoe. The stream itself has been buried under rocks fallen from the mountains above; some of the boulders at the far end of the valley are as big as houses.

Stage 7

The path out of the lost valley is on the right, and climbs above the valley floor on the lower flanks of Beinn Fhada. Follow this clear path which ascends a little before descending once more on sections of pitched footpath. There is one section of easy scrambling down a rake with a steep drop on the left; this can be avoided in descent by climbing over the end of the boulder directly ahead. Beyond this the path descends and crosses the stream on stepping stones, before continuing down into Glen Coe and crossing the river on a bridge high above the waters. The path then leads back through birch woodland to the wider Glen Coe track, a short distance below the car park at the start.

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