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Northumbria University Mountaineering Club |
O U T A C |
Route : Bidean nam Bian |
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OS MAP : |
41 |
Grade : |
2 |
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GR : |
17556 |
Terrain : |
1 |
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Distance : |
6 miles (10 km) |
Navigation : |
3 |
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Ascent : |
1,150 m (3,750 ft) |
Seriousness : |
2 |
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Time : |
6 hours |
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Assessment:
a superb long scramble across the unforgettable peaks of the South of Glencoe.
Seasonal notes: a major
winter mountaineering expedition.
Bidean can be climbed
easily from any of the three valleys approaching it from Glencoe. This route
takes the centre valley, leading over Stob Coire nan Lochan, a peak well worth
an ascent in its own right, and returning via the Hidden Valley. A track of
some sort goes most of the way.
The Hidden Valley (or
Coire Gabhail) which has its mouth blocked by a rockfall, was the place where
the Macdonalds of Glencoe were reputed to hide their stolen cattle from the
prying eyes of their arch enemies, the Campbells.
The route starts from the
large car-park on the S. side of the road, and crosses the bridge to follow the
track up towards Coire nan Lochan. Passing to the left of the waterfall it is
worth diverting into the secluded north-facing corrie, before heading for the
NE ridge of Stob Coire. This ridge flanks the left side of the corrie, and is
easier than it looks, but there is one short rocky bit that calls for the use
of hands.
From the summit of Stob
Coire, drop to the bealach linking to Bidean, and continue up the shoulder to
the summit. A descent to the Hidden Valley can be made by returning to this
bealach, and following the easy slopes to the east. The route shown here
continues along the ridge heading to Stob Coire Sgreamhach, but turns off at
the bealach before that peak, where a short, steepish, scrambly descent can be
made into the upper reaches of the Hidden Valley.
The rockfall at the
northern end of the Hidden Valley can be avoided by keeping to the east side of
the stream, but if tackled direct it provides pleasant easy boulder-scrambling.
Total ascent is 1165m (3800ft), over 8km (5 miles) and time for the route is
about 6 to 7 hours.
If a shorter day is
preferred you can omit Stob Coire by approaching via the Hidden Valley and then
bearing westwards up to the bealach between Stob Coire and Bidean. Return can
be made the same way or by the E ridge as described.
A further alternative (not
illustrated here) is to go up Bidean via the western valley, below Aonach Dubh,
and climb to the bealach before Stob Coire nam Beith. Continue over this summit
and on to Bidean.
Scrambling
and walking amongst the finest scenery in Scotland!
