Bidean nam Bian

Bidean nam Bian, a vast complex mountain south of Glencoe, lends its name to both the massif and its summit, the highest point in Argyll.”

Bidean nam Bian

Height	1149m
Prominence	845m
Meaning	pinnacle of the hills
Lists	Munros (M24)
Location	South of Glen Coe, Northwest Argyll and Appin
Grid Ref	NN144542
Lat/Lon	56.64284, -5.02925
Munro tops	Stob Coire nan Lochan (1116m) Stob Coire nam Beith (1107m)

Driving through Glencoe, only glimpses of Bidean nam Bian's summit can be seen as it is hidden for the most part by high and intimidating cliffs and buttresses. With the complex topography of Bidean nam Bian, hillwalkers are spoilt for route choice, though most will opt for a route also including Bidean nam Bian's south-easterly Munro summit Stob Coire Sgreamhach.

From Glencoe, there are three popular starting points for routes up Bidean nam Bian and Stob Coire Sgreamhach - by Loch Achtriochtan, through Coire nan Lochan and via the 'Lost Valley' - an eery place where the MacDonalds hid from the Campbells during the notorious masacre of Glencoe. There are well constructed paths from these points, though higher up the paths disappear through boulderfield.

A superb easy rock-scrambling route called the 'Zig-zags' aims up the central spur of the Three Sisters and continues onto Bidean nam Bian's main summit via Stob Coire nan Lochan.

Fit hillwalkers can hike extended routes possibly includng nearby peaks of Sgùrr na h-Ulaidh or even the Aonach Eagach on the opposite side of Glencoe.

Routes up Bidean nam Bian

Bidean nam Bian and Stob Coire Sgreamhach
	Hillwalking route up Bidean nam Bian and Stob Coire Sgreamhach from Glencoe, finishing via a descent through the dramatic ‘Lost Valley’. Peaks : 2 Munros Ascent : 1300m (4270ft) Distance : 10km (6m) Time : 4:30hr

Sgùrr na h-Ulaidh to Bidean nam Bian
	Hillwalking route linking Sgùrr na h-Ulaidh, Bidean nam Bian, Stob Coire Sgreamhach and Corbetts Meall Lighiche and Beinn Maol Chaluim. A big undertaking! Peaks : 3 Munros, 2 Corbetts Ascent : 2375m (7790ft) Distance : 25km (16m) Time : 10:15hr

Bidean nam Bian via the Zig-Zags
	Rock-scrambling up Bidean nam Bian via Geàrr Aonach and the Zig-Zags. A superb summer route with some exposed Grade 1-2 pitches. Peaks : 2 Munros Ascent : 1325m (4350ft) Distance : 10km (6m) Time : 5hr