244, 245. Bidean nam Bian (23, P600 52), Stob Coire Sgreamhach (65). 19/09/2022

Due to the Queen passing away, I needed to find a new walking partner (long story). Fortunately, a willing victim was found in Matt for a four day tour of the highlands.

For our first climb on the way north, we chose the conveniently placed Bidean nam Bian. Arriving at 11am, we needed to be a bit creative with parking in Glen Coe, but a solution was found and we were soon on the well-made trail up the Corrie nan Lochan. There's no walk-in on this hill, you're straight in to the 1000m of ascent to the subsidiary top of Stob Corrie nan Lochan. The last part of this is quite steep and includes some easy scrambling and much of it was in atmospheric conditions (i.e. swirling mist). 

Not exactly clear at the top, but most of the time below about 1050m was. After heading along the ridge to the second munro, we made our way down into the sheltered Lost Valley. This unusual geological feature is a hanging valley, but with very sheer sides. Lots of people were walking up just to see this and we crossed paths on our way back to the car. 12km and 1350m of ascent took us 5h15.

The ridges of Glan Coe taken before the last pull up to Stob Corrie nan Lochan

A pre-expedition snap

A glimpse of the summit from part way along the ridge to Stob Coire Sgreamhach

Above the Lost Valley on the top of Stob Coire Sgreamhach

Looking into the Lost Valley before descending