Bidean nam Bian

Bidean nam Bian stands in the Scottish Highlands south of Glen Coe and north of Glen Etive. It is the highest point in Argyll at 1,150 metres and forms the centre of a complex massif with many ridges and subsidiary peaks. The most striking feature is the Three Sisters of Glen Coe, three steep ridges that extend north into the glen. Two of the sisters, Gearr Aonach and Aonach Dubh, meet at Stob Coire nan Lochan, a 1,115-metre subsidiary peak about 1 kilometre northeast of the summit. The third sister, Beinn Fhada, joins the massif at Stob Coire Sgreamhach. The massif includes Coire Gabhail, known as the Hidden or Lost Valley, a glen with a wide flat floor concealed by a landslip. Clan MacDonald once used this glen to hide livestock from raiders or stolen cattle. A popular short walk of about 4 kilometres starts from Glen Coe, skirts a wooded ravine, and crosses a river before reaching rocky sections. The steep rough path leads into the heart of the mountain’s ridges and corries. Several routes climb to the summit, including a zig-zag path from Coire Gabhail up Gearr Aonach to cliffs and scree slopes. From there, walkers can turn left to Stob Coire Sgreamhach or right along the cliff edge to Bidean nam Bian. Other routes ascend Stob Coire nan Lochan or follow burns to the main ridge near Stob Coire nam Beith. All routes start from Glen Coe and pass through the corries between the Three Sisters, offering dramatic views and challenging terrain.