Bidean nam Bian - The Queen of all Argyll

Bidean nam Bian

Glen Coe is perhaps the most famous of all Scotland's glens. In February 1692 a massacre took place - and this single event has been the main factor behind the glens fame. The massacre was ordered by King William of Orange when the Clan MacDonald failed to swear allegiance to him. In doing so they signed their own fate and troops were sent (mainly of the Clan Campbell), to show that the King was deeply offended. The troops actually took up residence with the MacDonald's and one cold snowy night, the massacre took place, many of those who escaped died in the glen and on the slopes of the Bidean range.

Today the glen still maintains an air of solemnity and is given the title 'Glen of the Weeping'. From the mountaineers point of view this is one of Scotland's finest glens, providing first class winter and summer climbing at a variety of grades. The A82 road winds it's way through the glen and was only completed in the 1930's thus aiding access to a glen that was fairly difficult to reach before then. From this road we see the famous - Three Sisters - these are truncated spurs formed by glaciation over 10000 years ago. These spectacular spurs form a fine front end for an even more spectacular set of peaks that lie hidden behind. The highest of these peaks is Bidean nam Bian and it is this peak that lends its name to the range.

Bidean nam Bian (1150m) is the highest summit in the old county of Argyll. Its twin peak of Stob Coire nan Lochan hides Bidean and holds most interest to the winter climber, with its cliffs and gullies forming a face that is very alpine looking. The range has a fairly complex topography and it will probably require numerous visits to see all that the range has too offer, our route below should help you gain a better idea of what lies behind the 'Three Sisters'.

Looking up into Coire an Lochain

Bidean nam Bian - Facts and Figures

Distance : 10 miles

Total Ascent : 5000ft

Time : 6 - 8 hrs

Route Grading : An excellent high level route that visits most of the ranges best parts. In winter this group should not be underestimated as there are few easy ways off due to corniced ridges. The climb up onto Stob Coire Sgreamhach from Beinn Fhada may provide problems to some, carrying a rope would not be unwise.

Accomadation : Kingshouse and Clachaig Hotels sit at opposite sided of the glen. The Clachaig is generally busier (and full of posers) however a fine selection of ales and live entertainment more than make up for this. Caravan/Camping at Glencoe campsite but this is closed in the winter. Numerous club huts exist in the area - Black Rock Cottage near Kingshouse (Ladies Scottish CC) - Inbhirfhaolian, Glen Etive (Grampian Club) - Lagangarbh, Below Buachaillie Etive Mor (SMC). A youth hostel at Glencoe is also backed up by various Bunkhouses (enquire locally).

**Summits Visited In Our Route**
Gaelic Name	Translation	Height (ft)	Height (m)	Status
Beinn Fhada (NE)	The Long Mountain	3064ft	927m	Top
Beinn Fhada	The Long Mountain	3116ft	952m	Top
Stob Coire Sgreamhach	Peak of the Dreadful Coire	3497ft	1070m	Munro
Bidean Nam Bian	Peak of the Hides	3766ft	1150m	Munro
Stob Coire nam Beith	Peak of the Coire of the Birch Tree	3621ft	1107m	Top
Stob Coire nan Lochan	Peak of the Coire of the Lochain	3657ft	1115m	Top

**Maps**
Publisher	Scale	Title / No
Ordnance Survey	1:50000	Sheet 41
Ordnance Survey	1:63360	Ben Nevis & Glen Coe
Bartholomews	1:100000	Sheets 47 & 48

On reaching the top of the ridge we now enjoy our first view of Bidean along with Stob Coire Sgreamhach which towers nicely above the undulating ridge of Beinn Fhada. We now follow this fine ridge over a series of tops, we can also enjoy the view down into Coire Ghabhal or The Lost Valley. It is in this valley that the MacDonalds were reputed to have kept stolen cattle. We reach our highest point on this part of the ridge and now descend easily down to a small col. Above us lies a steep wall which provides some of the best scrambling of the day. A path turns this section on the left and follows an easier option. After this fine steep section, the path reappears on the ridge and leads us to Stob Coire Sgreamhach.

This summit has now been afforded the status of Munro, which means this previously neglected part of the range has lost its off the beaten track image. We also gain a excellent view down the ridge we have just ascended. We now descend to the col between Bidean and Sgreamhach. Here we are likely to encounter more walkers who have climbed up from The Lost Valley on route to the high ridges. A steady plod with big drops to the right leads us to our Highest point of the day. We now have many choices from here, our recommendation is to visit the top called Stob Coire nam Beith, and then retrace our steps back to Bidean from where we drop steeply down towards Stob Coire nan Lochan. By taking this small diversion we can appreciate the fine cliffs of Bidean, and enjoy the seeing Glen Coe from the summit of Stob Coire nam Beith. The 3600ft drop to the road is further accentuated by cars and buses looking like ants.

Looming back to Bidean from Stob Coire nan Lochain.

On returning to Bidean we now drop down towards Stob Coire nan Lochan, care should be exercised here in mist as a false path leads to the end of a buttress, if the correct path is followed we reach a small bealach. On reaching our final top of the day Ben Nevis and The Aonach Eagach catch our eye, as will all the tops we have visited that day. Our descent starts down large blocks, and follows a ridge that leads to Aonach Dubh. We continue steeply down into Coire nan Lochan where we find a path that follows a tumbling stream back down into Glen Coe. Now a walk back along the glen to our start point is enjoyed, and no doubt stops will be made to enjoy the sight of 'Three Sisters' towering above the glen.