Bidean nam Bian, Glen Coe. 15th September 2012

Aonach Dubh with Stob Coire nan Lochan in the background, Glen Coe 15/09/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

The highest mountain in Argyll, Bidean nam Bian is a compact and very complex massif. Bidean nam Bian is also one of my favourite mountains to walk summer and winter. I have lost count now of the amount of times that I have ascended this mountain but the interest still remains, every time discovering something new or seeing a particular view in different light just adds to my attraction with this mountain.

Aonach Dubh, Glen Coe 15/09/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

I wasted no time in responding to a comment a friend Helen Melone and Chairperson of the Scottish Hillwalkers and Activities Group posted in their forum. Helen posted that she would like to walk Bidean nam Bian at a nice gentle pace before the winter sets in. I responded by saying that I would  like to help out and don't mind walking it slowly as it is one of my favourite mountains. Helen agreed to this and we made plans to do it a soon as we could providing the weather improved.

The view down Coire nan Lochan towards the helipad car park, Glen Coe 15/09/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

It was a beautiful morning in Glen Coe and The Three Sisters looked stunning as we readied ourselves for the days adventure. We started our approach from the car park (168 569) beside the A82 that runs through Glen Coe. Leave the car park and walk down hill in a southerly direction to the foot bridge that crosses the River Coe (167 566) and then continue on a well made foot path that rises steadily up in to Coire nan Lochan.

Helen looking around Coire nan Lochan, Glen Coe 15/09/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

Towards the top of the coire the foot path forks (155 554), we took the right hand foot path. It is a little difficult to find in places and quite steep. Once in the main coire of Coire nan Lochan (151 554) the rock scenery is spectacular. At this point we sat down in the shelter of the coire and had a bite to eat. I pointed out all the different buttresses and the different climbs to Helen. I think Helen was a little overwhelmed by the sheer scale and beauty of the cliffs in this coire. I must confess it is a spectacular sight especially in winter.

The impressive cliffs of Coire nan Lochain, Glen Coe 15/09/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

The weather was changing and we started to get a little cold so we continued up onto the bealach (149 557) in between Aonach Dubh and Stob Coire nan Lochain. The wind was fierce and very cold. From this point the ridge rises in a south westerly direction at 1st, then curves around and continues to rise in a south easterly direction to the summit cairn of Stob Coire nan Lochan (148 548). It is a great way to approach the summit of Stob Coire nan Lochain as it takes you right across the tops of the impressive cliffs that surround Coire nan Lochan and if you are very careful you can look down into the huge gullies that in winter attract climbers from all over the country.

Helen approaching the summit cairn of Bidean nam Bian, Glen Coe 15/09/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

On our arrival at the summit of Stob Coire nan Lochain we were greeted by strong winds, light rain and low cloud. We quickly decided to move on and descended in a south westerly direction down the inter-connecting ridge from Stob Coire nan Lochain to Bidean nam Bian. At 1st this ridge is quite broad and sweeping, but soon narrows as it re-ascends to Bidean nam Bian. During the summer this is straight forward but during winter this ridge forms a knife edge and should not be taken unless you have the relevant mountaineering experience and skills. We sheltered towards the top of the ridge and enjoyed lunch before moving onto the true summit of Bidean nam Bian (143 542).

Helen descending from Bidean nam Bian towards Bealach Dearg, Glen Coe 15/09/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

Again we were exposed to the full force of the wind and again wasting no time descended in a south easterly direction towards Bealach Dearg (151 537). During our descent we were constantly knocked off balance by the force of the wind. But the strong winds did blow the cloud away long enough to reveal fleeting views of Stob Coire Sgreamhach and Bidean nam Bian. As with the previous ridge this ridge is straight forward during the summer months but in winter requires mountaineering experience and skills to descend as huge cornices form and the normal summer descent down the scree from Bealach Dearg forms a vertical wall of snow almost a hundred metres high.

Coire Gabhail (The Lost Valley) from Bealach Dearg, Glen Coe 15/09/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

Bealach Deag is marked by two cairns. At the second cairn descend the scree in a north easterly direction towards Coire Gabhail (The Lost Valley). It is steep at 1st and care should be taken as it is loose at the top, but after a few metres the difficulties ease. Continue to descend the scree and you will come to a well made foot path that gradually descends to the floor of the coire passing some spectacular water falls. Eventually the coire flattens out and the exit is guarded by a huge boulder (167 556). The foot path is not clear but it passes the boulder on the right and rises a little before descending again amongst the trees, boulders and waterfalls. There are numerous ways through and this section of the walk out from Coire Gabhail depending on how wet you want to get or how much you enjoy scrambling is great fun. You will have to cross the Allt Coire Gabhail to continue your walk out and regain the well made foot path.

Coire Gabhail, The Lost Valley. Glen Coe 15/09/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)

Eventually you will come to a deer fence just before the bridge that crosses the River Coe. The gate is now pad locked as the Coire Gabhail Bridge (173 564) is closed for essential repairs. For more information contact the MCofS or Glencoe Visitor Centre.  At this point we walked in a north westerly direction along a new boggy path back towards the bridge (167 566)  that we crossed earlier that day and returned to the car park that we had set off from. Helen sat on the wall in front of her car with a huge smile on her face and took in the views whilst she rested. We started the day with great views and the weather did turn for a little but to return to the car and be able to see where we had been was a great way to finish our adventure. 
   

Allt Coire Gabhail, Glen Coe 15/09/2012 (Photo: A J Thorley)