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3,771 ft · Central Highlands, Scotland

Bidean nam Bian

Bidean nam Bian is a 3,771 ft peak in the Central Highlands, Scotland. The standard route is the Coire nan Lochan: 5 mi, 3,540 ft of gain, Class 2.

Bidean nam Bian in the Central Highlands, Scotland

Bidean nam Bian at a glance

  • Elevation3,771 ft1,149 m
  • RouteCoire nan LochanClass 2
  • Distance5 mi3,540 ft gain
  • Time5 – 7 hrsModerate effort
  • SeasonJun – Sep
  • RangeCentral HighlandsScotland

Climbing the Coire nan Lochan

From Glencoe village, drive east on the A82 into the Pass of Glencoe. Start from the Three Sisters car park, cross the River Coe and follow the constructed path into Coire nan Lochan between Gearr Aonach and Aonach Dubh. Steep, rough ground leads onto Stob Coire nan Lochan, then a rocky crest with easy scrambling continues to the summit (Class 2). Snow can linger in the high corries into summer and the mountain has a history of winter accidents. Weather is often worse than in the glen. Usually combined with Stob Coire Sgreamhach, descending through the Lost Valley.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (25–35 L)
  • Hiking Boots
  • Water
  • Offline Maps
  • Headlamp
  • Satellite Communicator
  • Whistle
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Sun Hat
  • Midlayer
  • Insulated Jacket
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Warm Hat
  • Buff
  • Midweight Gloves
  • Trekking Poles
  • GPS Device
  • Power Bank
  • Water Filter
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Emergency Bivy

What to watch for

  • Loose rock
  • Low visibility
  • Snow near summit
  • Steep exposure
  • Rapid weather shifts

Quests with Bidean nam Bian

Peaks near Bidean nam Bian

  1. Stob Coire Sgreamhach

    Stob Coire Sgreamhach

    3,517 ft · 0.8 mi away

  2. Stob Dubh

    Stob Dubh

    3,143 ft · 2.2 mi away

  3. Sgurr na h-Ulaidh

    Sgurr na h-Ulaidh

    3,261 ft · 2.5 mi away

  4. Sgorr nam Fiannaidh

    Sgorr nam Fiannaidh

    3,175 ft · 2.5 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Bidean nam Bian?

Bidean nam Bian is 3,771 feet (1,149 m) tall. It is in the Central Highlands, Scotland.

How does Bidean nam Bian rank among the Munros?

At 3,771 feet, Bidean nam Bian is the 24th highest of the 282 Munros. The highest is Ben Nevis.

How hard is it to hike Bidean nam Bian?

The Coire nan Lochan is Class 2, which means off-trail hiking with some use of your hands for balance. Yak rates the overall effort moderate: 5 miles with 3,540 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Bidean nam Bian?

Most people take 5 – 7 hours round trip on the Coire nan Lochan, covering 5 miles with 3,540 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Bidean nam Bian?

Usually, if you are fit. The Coire nan Lochan is a common first summit for hikers ready for 5 – 7 hours on their feet. Bring layers, food and water, and check the weather before you start.

When is the best time to hike Bidean nam Bian?

The usual hiking window is June to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

What is the trailhead elevation for Bidean nam Bian?

The Coire nan Lochan starts at about 570 feet, roughly 3,201 feet below the summit.

Climb Bidean nam Bian with Yak

Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list