Bidean nam Bian and Stop Coire Sgreamhach loop — Glencoe National Nature Reserve
Bidean nam Bian and Stop Coire Sgreamhach loop — Glencoe National Nature Reserve
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Bidean nam Bian and Stop Coire Sgreamhach loop — Glencoe National Nature Reserve
05:12
11.6km
1,150m
Hiking
Embark on a challenging hike through the Bidean nam Bian and Stop Coire Sgreamhach loop, a difficult route covering 7.2 miles (11.6 km) with a significant 3759 feet (1146 metres) of elevation gain. This strenuous journey typically takes around 5 hours and 12 minutes to complete, leading you past beautiful waterfalls and up steep sections of scree and rocky crests. As you ascend, you will encounter some easy rock-scrambling, eventually reaching panoramic views of the Glencoe peaks and the Ben Nevis range on clear days. The trail offers a dramatic experience, with the iconic Aonach Eagach ridge often visible in the distance.
This demanding route is best suited for experienced hillwalkers with a good level of fitness. Be prepared for varied terrain, including boulder fields and potentially loose ground, especially during the descent through the Lost Valley. While the trail is accessible, it is not recommended in winter or snowy conditions unless you have specialist gear and experience, as certain sections can retain snow and ice into early summer. Always check local conditions before you head out.
The Bidean nam Bian loop is notable for including two Munros, Bidean nam Bian itself, which is the highest point in Argyll, and Stob Coire Sgreamhach. You will also explore the unique and dramatic hidden glen known as the Lost Valley, or Coire Gabhail, a place steeped in local lore where the river mysteriously disappears underground. This trail offers close-up views of the famous Three Sisters of Glencoe, making it a significant mountaineering challenge in one of Scotland's most iconic landscapes.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Tips
Includes segments that may be dangerous
Parts of this route comprise highly technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience is required.
After 1.55 km for 496 m
After 3.61 km for 5.49 km
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
16 m
View of the Three Sisters, Glencoe
Highlight • Viewpoint
There's plenty of room for motorists to pull in and take in the sights here. Meanwhile, hikers can use the parking spaces as a starting point for either adventures on the Bidean or to begin an ascent to the Aonach Eagach ridge to the north. However, for the latter, there is more suitable parking along the main road to the east.
Tip by
648 m
Coire Gabhail Waterfalls
Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint
Good footwear and sure-footedness are required! You will be rewarded on the way with picturesque paths and waterfalls.
Translated by Google •
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2.41 km
Path to Bidean nam Bian via Bealach Dearg
Highlight • Gorge
Tip by
4.85 km
Stob Coire Sgreamhach
Highlight • Viewpoint
Stob Coire Sgreamhach is usually ascended from the northeast, either via the Lost Valley or the Lairig Eilde. While the ascent is not particularly technical, the final section up to Bealach Dearg is steep, loose and requires care.
Tip by
6.24 km
Bidean nam Bian Summit
Highlight • Summit
As the highest point for many miles around, Bidean Nam Bian provides a wonderful West Highland panorama. Highlights include the rounded dome and arcing ridgeline of Ben Nevis and the CMD Arête beyond the Aonach Eagach and the Mamores to the north; the view south to Loch Etive and complex Ben Starav; and west past Beinn a' Bheithir towards Mull and the sea.
Tip by
7.14 km
Stob Coire nan Lochan Summit
Highlight • Viewpoint
The summit of Stob Coire nan Lochan seems to attract some larger flies than our midge friends, not sure why. We didn’t spend too long at this summit and descended to get away from them.
It certainly feels like you are on top of the world when you come around to this section, you can see where you have come from and the amazing views of every other distant peak you could wish to tackle. We will definitely be back again soon.
Tip by
11.6 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
6.01 km
3.69 km
1.70 km
196 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
5.13 km
3.46 km
3.02 km
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (1,100 m)
Lowest point (130 m)
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Weather
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Wednesday 22 July
16°C
11°C
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This route was planned by komoot.
Comments
Everything Scotland has to offer: sun, rain, and lots of wind.
Sensational views.
Nature without end 😊
The hike was partly over a lot of scree on very difficult paths, and the wind and rain made it perfect.
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Have any of you completed this walk?
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In terms of weather, I had everything again. Except sun. There was even a little hailstorm….
But today I played it safe and put on a rain poncho over my rain jacket. Looked like a "wandering mountain demon with an aberration of taste" but remained reasonably dry. Today …
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