Today, I was out with Norm, from Boston, US, who was on an extended tour of the UK. He had already spent days out on Bruach Na Frithe on Skye, and The Five Sisters in Glen Sheil, and wanted to round off his time in the Scottish Highlands with a walk up to the highest point in Glencoe, Bidean nam Bian at 1150m. The circuit to reach this summit is detailed in Cameron McNeish's 'Scotland 100 Best Walks' and it would be hard to disagree with it's inclusion.
Despite a good forecast, the skies above were grey and threatening as we headed up the path towards Stob Coire Nan Lochan, which despite it's stature, does not quite make it to Munro status due to the lack in high difference between it and Bidean nam Bian. On gaining the coire, we veered south east to gain the broad ridge of Gearr Aonach which leds onto the atmospheric East Ridge of Stob Coire Nan Lochan. Once at the summit, a short descent and ascent, overlooking the crags of Stob Coire Nan Beith and Church Door Buttress brought us to the summit of Glencoe's highest peak, Bidean Nam Bian. Someone must have been looking down on us, as by now, the clouds had lifted giving fantastic views out to Ardgour, The Mamores, Glen Etive and Rannoch Moor. A steep descent from the summit brought us down into the Lost Valley, one of the hidden gems of Glencoe, before picking our way through the native woodland, which guards the entrance to the Lost Valley, and down to the Meeting of Three Waters and finally back to the van.
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| On the South East Ridge of Stobe Coire Nan Lochan, with Stob Coire Sgreamach behind |
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| On the summit of Bidean nam Bian, with Loch Etive in the background |
A fantastic day out with some stunning views and good weather, and one which Norm said he would remember for a long time!
