Walk 3251 - Bidean nam Bian via Stob Coire nan Lochan, Glencoe

      
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The Pass of Glencoe and Three Sisters range is an inspiring sight to any newcomer with its intense greenery and waterfalls crashing off the near vertical mountains. This is a real taste of Scotland and the range can be seen for miles from the Rannoch Moor approach. It has been said that Glencoe is considered the wettest part of Scotland and parts of the walks around this area can be impassable during or after heavy rainfall. Therefore it is wise to study the weather forecast so you can pick a day when weather conditions are good.

The only real options for parking are the laybys off the A82, the best being at grid ref. NN170568. This however is the main tourist viewpoint and can be full as early as 8am, so an early start is highly recommended. After parking, simply walk though the outlet in the wall downhill towards the river Coe, which is crossed on a footbridge. The route ahead is very clear as you climb steeply towards Coire nan Lochan. Here is a great place for a well-earned break as you admire the waterfalls crashing down from the ledge above you. At certain times of year it is unlikely you will see such a force of water anywhere else in the southern Highlands.

Once you have recovered from the steep climb, there now follows an even steeper one! Ignore the scree in front of you even though it seems the obvious choice. Instead turn slightly left where a faint path can just be seen which avoids most of the crags up onto the ledge, although a scramble can be expected at times (Grid ref NN155552). From here the path just about disappears although by no means expect to be alone. Head southwest with the drop into Coire Gabhail to your left as you make your way across the loose rock.

Continue over Stob Coire nan Lochan towards Bidean nam Bian (Grid ref. NN141542). Here I found the best option was a small gully lined with fine scree, which appeared to be a path leading up. The last few yards are a little scramble to the fantastic summit where views on a good day look north towards Loch Leven and Ben Nevis far beyond. After admiring the views head northwest onto Stob Coire nam Beith (Grid ref. NN139545). The return route follows that taken on the outward walk. However care must be taken in poor conditions not to stray from the route as there are many precipitous drops close to the path.

Suggested Maps

It is recommended you take a map with you when following a walk route. The preferred scale is 1:25000 used by the Explorer series.

	OS Explorer	1:25,000	Sheet 384
	OS Landranger	1:50,000	Sheet 41

Note : If two maps are listed at the same scale then either (a) both are required for full coverage of the route or (b) the route is covered on both maps.

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